Whispers of the Past Day 3

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Whispers of the Past Day 4

---

Early the next morning, Zoran woke up to the sun coming in through the window, shining on his face. The birds were just coming out, and the day looked like it would be a nice one. Softly breathing meet his ears.

"Mmm I slept wonderfully." he mumbled to himself as he laid there. He rubbed his eyes of sleep laying there trying to wake up.

Zoran felt a shift on his chest, and then it settled. Soft breathing that he knew was Tainn mixed with the low sounds of the television.

Zoran didn't open his eyes he laid his head back not wanting to get up. "Don't want to move" he mumbled to himself. Laying there for a few more minutes he suddenly realized that Tainn felt like Tainn but different. She was up higher against his chest and her legs were along his longer then what they should have been. Zoran suddenly opened his eyes to see...

...to see Tainn, but Tainn four whole years older than she had been the night before. Her hair was longer, and seemed to be a darker brown. Her hand that laid on his chest was slightly slender, and her jeans were more like capris now. He saw her chest rise and fall as she slept, a chest that made his heart leap and stop in his throat.

Zoran turned red and stared at how beautiful she was. He was so confused by what was going on but he was so enthralled with her beauty that he didn't care. Those feelings of doubt from the day before had just in those few moments gone Poof out the window.

Tainn shifted again, her eyes flickering in the sunlight. She yawned, and carefully sat up, stretching her arms. Looking over at Zoran, she titled her head and said, "Z...What's wrong? You're scarlet..." It can't be because of me... he doesn't...

Oh my god she's more beautiful then I imagined she would be older He was just stunned he didn't know what to do he was frozen in place staring over her beautiful body.

"Z...? Zoran...?" she asked, leaning over him, waving a hand over his eyes to get him to blink.

Zoran blinked still scarlet. "uh... you... ah..." he was just in shock as he looked her over "Mirror" he croaked out in a gruff voice unable to control himself. She was just so gorgeous he had to get a hold of himself.

"Mirror?" Tainn said, setting up again. "Do I have something on my face?" Tainn took her hands rubbing her face.

since she let him up now he went upstairs real quick and grabbed her full length body mirror. He came downstairs again and held it up infront of her he was still scarlet.

Tainn looking into the mirror shocked faced and unable to speak. "Wha... I...but... how...wha..." was all she was able to get out. She turned in the mirror, looking at herself all around. She was slightly taller than before, and her hair was darker and longer. She looked down and saw that on her hands, her fingers were now slightly longer and slender. She couldn't believe it, she look a whole four years older than she had the other day. "Z... what's going on?" she finally was able to get out.

Zoran blushed "I really don't know at all" he said taking the mirror and putting it over on the side of the room for now. He was still red in the face. "You-your really beautiful like that though Tainn" he said looking from behind his mop of hair.

Tainn went scarlet. "Really...? I had always been wishing that I was older because I really liked you...I..." she mumbled the last part, "Handsome...I ...my heart..."

Zoran went deeper scarlet hearing that last part picking it up for his really good ears. He didnt know how to explain how he thought she was beautiful younger and he longed for her to be older as well so he could steal her heart away. "Tainn I" he decided to just do it. He pulled his hair back into his normal pony tail then walked over to her. "I wished you were older as well because I really like you as well" he said softly and put his hand on her cheek getting back that Fae confidence of his, he tilted her head up and brought her lips to his kissing her softly on her full lips of hers.

Tainn's eyes went wide. then her arms went around his neck, and she kissed back. She had been wanting to kiss him before, but didn't think he'd want to kiss her.

Zoran wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her softly taking it easily with her but the kiss was still wonderful. Kissing her holding her in his arms seemed to light a flame inside of him that he had thought long dead. He pulled back and softly nuzzled her cheek with his, the stubble on his face tickling her. "God you don't know how much I've wanted to do that, you were just so young" he whispered holding her close to him.

Tainn giggled at the tickle. "Zoran... I wanted to do that too.... I wanted to kiss you on the lips when I had kissed your cheeks..."

"I don't know what turned you like this" he said with a smile pulling back and looking down at her his arms still around her body. "But I want to enjoy every moment with you" he smiled and gave her a soft kiss. "But first we need to go take care of the horses." he winked playfully letting go of her and headed towards the door. In this body Tainn's attraction to his body seemed to be ten times what it had been in her sixteen year old body. she was watching every ripple and move of his muscles of his gorgeous warriors body as he headed out the door to go to the barn.

"Hey wait up!" she shouted laughing. She ran after him, out the door, and past him to the stable.

Zoran laughed and chased after her into the stable feeling really happy at the moment.

Tainn went right to work, smiling over at Zoran.

Zoran couldn't help himself as he kept glancing over at her beauty, just the sight of her making his heart pound. They finished faster then normal since they were both just so excited towards one another. After they were done they headed back to the house. Walking side by side Zoran slid his arm around her waist playfully.

Tainn smiled up at him, leaning into him as they walked, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I don't know how this happened...but I love that it did..."

"Yes I do to" he said gently running his fingers over her side, he was in heaven having her like this. to him having her in his life and being able to have her like this was heaven on earth. Suddenly his stomach growled for breakfast. "So what shall we have for breakfast?" he asked playfully.

Tainn giggled, and smiled. "Time to make the banquet!" she shouted with a smile.

"Banquet?" he asked confused.

Tainn looked up at Zoran. "What you don't want all the food I normally make? I thought that was a banquet that I make for all of us normally...."

Zoran smiled a big smile she couldn't help but love. he suddenly pulled her in his arms and twirled her around in the air. "That sounds magnificent." he laughed.

Tainn smiled big, laughing as she flew through the air. "Great!" she laughed.

He chuckled and put her to the ground and lead her off inside. He didnt know why but he just felt so alive today with her like this.

When they got inside, Tainn ran into the kitchen, and put together a great banquet like breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, breakfast potatoes, pancakes, milk, and juice. "I hope you like it," she said, putting it all on the table.

"Oh I know I will" he said as his stomach growled hungrily and he began to chow down on the feast of food. He groaned happily. "Ooh so good" he growled out as he ate.

Tainn laughed, and started eating her food. "I'm glad you're enjoying it...as you must have everyday..." she said with a smile.

"Of course I do, your so food is amazing" he said and licked the tips of his fingers of syrup. the way he did it cause her to go scarlet across her cheek. "You ok?" he asked cocking an eyebrow.

Tainn looked down at her food, nodding. "I'm fine..." she said. She drank some of her juice, and then licked her lips. "My heart is just still pounding because of that....kiss..." That amazing kiss... went into his head in her voice.

He smiled hearing that in his head. He got up and went over to her side of the table. he leaned down caressing her chin and tilted her head up bringing their lips together for another delicious kiss.

Tainn's eyes went wide again. She leaned up into the kiss.

Zoran kept kissing her in a long, deep and amazing kiss. he pulled her up out of the chair so they were standing together as this amazing kiss went on. he held one hand on her trim waist while the other was on her cheek in their long luxurious kiss.

Her hands were around his neck, holding on for dear life, not wanting to let go of him or the kiss. Her heart was pounding in her ears, and her head was spinning. Oh my... Z... I love him....

Zoran pulled back from the kiss he wouldn't go any farther just yet with anything like tongue in the mouth and things like that. "Now that was a kiss" he said gazing into her eyes when he watched them flutter open.

Tainn looked up into his eyes. "Oh my...that was...incredible...Z... you are wonderful..." She layed her head against Zoran's chest, holding herself against him by having her arms wrapped around his waist. "My heart is still...so fast in my chest..."

Zoran wrapped his arms around her shoulders and stroked one hand threw her hair. "that's a good thing in my opinion" he said with a chuckle holding her close like this.

Tainn nodded. "What are we going to do now? I..." she said, looking up at him. She wanted to kiss him more, wanted to always be held in his arms. She then shook her head. "Oh... I have to clean the house...throw out old papers... I... do you want to help...? It's okay...if you say no...."

He gave her a quick little kiss "I would love to help you" he smiled gazing down at her.

Tainn smiled up. "Thanks... Dad had allot of boxes that were filled with papers and folds that he had in his office...and we haven't been able to get things straightened out since we've moved here... and I have a few boxes I need to go through.... if you could just help sort a few boxes that would be helpful...." She took his hand, leading up towards a back room. "This is suppose to be my dad's office but look at those boxes..."

Zoran looked at the huge pile "Oh wow thats not good" he said not knowing how he was going to help out with that.

"Dad can be a packrat...I just need you to help sort it by: trash, 'I like its' trash,and must keep papers like soc. cards, birth records, hospital papers... you'll know when you see them...." She kissed his cheek. "I'll go through it with you when I get back... I have only two boxes..." Tainn hurried off.

Zoran plopped down on the floor and got to work for her. Man she's right her dad is a major packrat he thought to himself as he worked. ((LOL))

The first box was nothing but old receipts from 10 plus years ago, as well as old papers of no importance. The same thing for the second, but it was in the third that Zoran found the types of papers that Tainn said to keep. He found important home schooling papers, hospital records for her and her father, and then three folders: Tainn's, her father's, and then the last was that of her mother's. The folders held papers like social security cards and birth certificates.

Zoran did as he was told an put them in their own special pile as he worked on it all. "now I know what to get him for Christmas, a filing cabinet" he said to himself.

The folders slipped off the stack, some papers coming out.

"Oh darn it" he said picking them up he glanced at them as he put them in a pile together.

One of the papers was Tainn's birth certificate... dated... 20 years ago.

Zoran stared at the numbers and thought about her body before and her body now. "Holy shit it has to be magic." he said looking at the paper thinking about it all.

Foot steps could be heard heading his way. "Z..." came Tainn's voice. "I'm done with my boxes..." She walked into the room, smiling having achieved her own completion of unpacking, ready to finish her father's.

Zoran quickly put her birth certificate back in her folder and turned facing her. "well that's good I'm glad to hear that" he smiled at her.

Tainn looked over at him. "So what all did you find?"

"this pile is old receipts your dad has kept. stuff that's ten years old and stuff like that while this pile is all of your important documents and stuff like that." he said pointing them out.

Tainn went over, picking up the pike of important documents, moving them over to the desk. "We can't lose these..." she said, thumbing at the folders. She didn't seem to know or think anything was wrong.

Zoran didn't know what to do he felt like a total idiot not knowing she was twenty. Zoran got up and walked over standing behind her he slid his arms around her waist and put his chin on her shoulder holding her close. he wasn't going to say anything he was just going to enjoy holding her.

He realized that she doesn't even know that she really twenty years old.

"Love you, Z..."

He gently swayed with her back and forth in his arms as if they were slow dancing "I love you to" he whispered as he buried his face into the curve of her neck. He felt so sorry for her not knowing what her true age was. but it was true he did love her allot.

"You're wonderful for helping me out..." she said. "You know what? I have never seen what dad keeps in those folders... I know that my birth certificate is in there...but I've never been able to see it..."

"Well uh" he didn't know whether or not it was a good or bad idea to let her see it.

She wiggled one arm out to grab her folder.

Zoran held her close, he would be here for her if she needed him this would be good for her.

Tainn opened the folder, then she tensed up. Her hands started to shake. "Z...."

"Tainn" he whispered softly hugging her tighter around her waist knowing she saw it.

"But how...? I thought... I've always thought..." She turned into his chest, and cried.

"I don't know sweety I really don't know" he whispered holding her close to him stroking her hair. He had a theory it was magic and something to do with her father's wish to have her a little girl forever but other then that he didn't know if that was indeed the case. He tilted her chin up gazing into her eyes. "I love you Tainn that's all that matters to me" he leaned down and softly kissed her lips.

Tainn nodded as she kissed back.

Zoran pulled back and stroked her cheek. "now lets get your mind off of that for now." he smiled "no work today I want you and I to spend time together not doing work or anything like that" he smiled down at her.

The phone rang.

Tainn looked at him. "I thought we were going to go try and fine Sol?" Tainn asked as she went over to the phone. She then Answered it. "Hello?"

Zoran put his chin on her shoulder standing behind her. Embarrassingly he had forgotten about finding sol he stood there behind her with his arms around her waist curious on who was calling.

It was her father checking up on her.

"Hey dad...I'm fine...I've just been cleaning up and unpacking some more..." Tainn said over the phone.

Zoran let go of her and walked off to the living room to give her privacy.

"That's good. I am actually calling because I have to extend my trip a few days, is that alright with you?"

"Yes dad....that's fine...No worries here...." said Tainn.

Zoran sat in the living room on the couch drumming his fingers away wondering what was happening on the phone call. He was worried about her.

Tainn said good bye to her father, and heading to where Zoran is. "Dad is ging to be out of a few days longer..." she said.

"I know this is really bad to say but" Zoran suddenly was off the couch and had her up in the air in his arms with his face nuzzled against her neck. "But I really like the sound of that. I like having you all to myself like this" he growled out playfully.

Tainn giggled. "Z... I was thinking the same thing...." She said hugging and holding on to him.

"Good I'm glad to hear that" he happily hugged her in his arms and playfully sat down on teh couch so she was sitting on his lap then pulled her down kissing her again wanting to get her mind off of thoughts of her father.

Tainn kissed back, thoughts of her father disappearing. After some time, Tainn pulled back. "Z... we have a mission today..."

"Yeah we do, I'm sorry I just can't help myself when it comes to you" he smiled gazing up at her on his lap.

"I didn't say that there's anything wrong with that..." she giggled. "Just that I don't want to lose family that was important to my mom..."

"Yes I understand, and I hope that everything works out between you and him but first we need to find him" Zoran smiled gazing up at her.

"Come on," Tainn said, getting up. "Let's get going." She was smiling reaching a hand out to Zoran.

Zoran took her hand and stood. "yes lets get going" he said with a loving smile.

Tainn smiled, and headed out the door with him. "Where do you think we should start?"

"I think we should start with restaurants and diners first." Zoran said as he locked the door behind them then they headed off towards town.

"Alright... and if not there....the shops and library...." Tainn said. "Or maybe if we could find that bird....?"

"The bird doesn't stay around him all the time though so we need to be careful with that" Zoran said with a sigh.

Tainn smiled up at him. "But... it could also lead us to him..."

Zoran nodded in agreement.

---

Khan smiled the air for her scent, looking as if he was thinking.

The woman walked away.

Enna glanced at the woman's figure as she walked away in mild surprise.

Khan spoke, "I am not from this area....but I had seen you with all of the books and thought I'd help you..."

"Well, I'm looking for a good hotel. Not being from around here, surely at least you know of one?" Enna asked, smiling.

"Yes...I do....I can show you if you'd like...." he said.

"I'd appreciate it." Enna replied, adjusting the books in her arms.

"Here, allow me to carry your books for you."

"You don't have to worry yourself over it, there's only a couple here." Enna replied, "Just lead me to a place with a bed."

"As you wish, miss..." he said kindly. "This way...." The handsome man motioned down the street.

Enna nodded and followed him, silent for a moment, then, "What brings you to this village anyway?"

"I have been helping my friend out....she had gone through some trying times...." he said, leading her down the street.

"Well, I hope your friend is doing better with you around." Enna replied.

"I had made a promise... I never break my promises...."

"That's good to know... Oh! My name is Enna by the way, and yours...?"

"...Khan..."

"Interesting name." Enna nodded thoughtfully, "Pretty easy to remember." She smiled.

Khan looked at her. "I chose it...." he said softly. "I didn't have a name before that...."

"Well, you didn't make a bad choice." Enna replied softly.

"Thank you.... you have a beautiful name....."

"Its pretty dull if you ask me. Makes me want to ask what my parents were thinking when they gave it to me." Enna laughed.

"You were lucky to have such parents..."

"I didn't, that's the problem." Enna replied, her mood sobering.

Khan looked at her. "You didn't know your parents.....?"

"Nope, sure didn't." Enna shrugged.

"Then how do you know your name...?"

"It was the only thing left to me."

"I... " Khan started as they walked. "I grew up only knowing my.... master....."

"Your master?" Enna questioned, her tone confused.

"I grew up....as a slave...." he said, he voice low but not growling.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Enna replied, "You'd think in this day and age that sort of thing wouldn't happen. I'm... going to assume though that things are better for you now."

"I was saved by a young man that became my friend.... it is his old love that I watch after....." he said softly.

"What happened to your friend?"

"He was murdered....."

"Was his killer ever caught?"

"By his love....his bride to be.... he had been killed the day before he was to wed his love..."

"I don't think I understand..."

"My friend's murder was the day before he was to be married..... his love, his bride-to-be was the one to catch the murderer....."

Enna was silent for a moment, then, "Jeez, listen to me... Getting us off to such depressing topics, I am so sorry... I just have this insatiably curious nature and sometimes I let it get away from me... I'm sorry." She repeated.

Khan shook his head. "It happened a very long time ago...."

"Even so, I apologize. Is this the hotel?" She glanced up at the building before them, her expression weary once more.

He's going to kill youCame a voice in her head.

"Yes, it is.... The Green Man Inn.... best in town...." Khan said.

The hell? Enna massaged her temples, "Look, why don't I get a room and a shower and maybe we could do dinner?"

She walked inside just ahead of him and up to the front desk, "Hi, I need a room."

The person at the desk listed the prices.

"Any room is fine... So long as its got hot water." Enna replied.

Khan stood back, waiting on her.

Enna accepted a key and made her payment before turning back to Khan, "Alright, so, what do you say?"

"I can wait for you down here if you wish..."

"Okay, I shouldn't be more than an hour tops." Enna smiled.

Khan nodded. "I will be here..."

"Alright." Enna waved and went off to find her room.

---

Nemesis, cloaked, appeared in the area she had met the cloaked figure, the body of the 'new king' on the ground before her. "The deed is done, and I have brought his body to you...."

She was instantly attacked

Nemsis jumped back, defending herself. "What are you doing??!"

"That isn't his body."

"WHat are you talking about!?!?!"

He waved his hand to remove the illusion. "That."

"What!?!" she cried out.

He grabbed her and slammed her against a wall. "Why did you deceive me?"

"I didn't...! Please!" Nemesis said. "I didn't!"

He grabbed her by the throat. "A pity...I thought you were cute too."

"Please! Stop it! I'd.... I'll do anything!! Please!" Nemesis screamed, grabbing at the hand on her throat.

"Anything?"

Before he could say anymore his hand released her and he went flying into a wall. Sylvanos glared at him and she was nearly knocked off her feat by the force of his energy. "Your fight is with me, not pregnant women." He said glaring at the old king who snarled in anger.

Nemesis caught her balance. "You have....to...get out.... of here..."

"I'll be alright...you need to go. your babies are going to be born soon and you can't endanger them further.Go."

Nemesis nodded, disappearing.

Sylvanos turned back to the issue at hand and soon the area lit up with the signs of their magical fight

---

Whisper woke up and snuggled deeper into the bed. Part of him was reluctant to get up.

Rainier was downstairs in the kitchen drinking a cup of tea thinking to himself wondering what he should do today.

Whisper finally got up and headed downstairs. His hair was disheveled from sleep and when he came in to the kitchen Rainier noticed he had streaks of black through it. "Morning."

"Morning yourself" He must be half human half Gancanagh he thought to himself. "Sleep well?" he asked with a friendly smile.

Whisper nodded. "That bed is really comfy." He said with a smile. Whisper sat down and Rainier noticed he wasn't wearing shoes.

Rainier wasn't wearing shoes either since it was early morning so he didn't say anything about it. "Good I'm glad, they're top of the line beds." he smiled. "What would you like for breakfast this morning" he asked standing from the table. he was in nothing but a pair of long black silk sleep pants, his hair cascading down around him as he stood and stretched.

"I don't know...I don't remember what food there is aside from what we had last night..." Whisper said looking down. He still wore the clothes he had been given last night.

"Well how about I make some french toast and then after breakfast you and I can go shopping to buy you some clothes" he smiled at his little brother.

Whisper nodded and watched him make the food. He had a child's curiosity it seemed as he watched him. he went to the fridge to pour them both drinks. He seemed to consider and Rainier noticed he began to mix the drinks. he was pouring milk, orange juice, and wine into the glasses. He looked into the fridge and got out Rainier's other drink options and began to mix them in.

Rainier smiled looking at him. "Having fun?" he asked with a smile. "be careful" he said and suddenly snatched a body of powerful liquor. 

"What's that? I wasn't sure what drink to try today so I wanted to try them all."n Whisper said innocently.

"this is what you call Absynthe and its deffinantly not a drink for you." he said holding the bottle of almost neon green liquid. "this stuff would knock you on your ass in an instant. besides how old are you? are you even legal to drink?" he asked putting the bottle on the table looking at his little brother.

Whisper considered. "I don't know...I think I am fifteen..."He said going to take a sip of his concoction, Rainier remembered he had mixed wine into it.

"And you shouldn't be having that one either because that one has wine" he said worriedly about his little brother. He was going to have to hide the liquor in the house for awhile he knew it.

Whisper looked down at his glass. "Oh...you want it? I'm sorry...I didn't know..."

"Its alright Whisper, its just your fifteen and liquor isn't good for your body" he said looking at him. "I'm just trying to watch out for you little man."

He smiled and looked curiously at the drinks in the fridge. "What can I drink?"

"Well lets see out of what I have" he opened the fridge and began to pull out bottles of different things. "Milk, Orange juice, Apple juice." and he rattled off a few more for him. He pushed his couple of liquor bottles all to one side of the fridge. "but all of these are a no go zone" he said pointing to them for his brother.

Whisper nodded and proceeded to mix the juice drinks he took a sip and smiled. "It's really good!"

"Really? can I try a bit?" Rainier asked curiously.

he handed him the glass with a smile. "Of course."

Rainier took a sip. "oh wow this is really good" he smiled at his little brother. "You have real talent at drink mixing" he said handing the drink back to Whisper.

Whisper smiled like a child that had pleased someone he looked up to would. "Thank you." He said as he drank his concoction.

Rainier smiled. "your welcome." He grabbed everything he needed and began to get to work on making their breakfast ready. A good meal of french toast would be great for him.

Whisper watched him make it as closely as he had when he made their supper. On occasion he even asked if he could help.

Rainier chuckled and let Whisper do a few small things here and there like teaching him how to crack eggs into the batter measuring and mixing. then he taught Whisper how to soak the bread in the batter and then cook it in the skillet. He went over it each time with Whisper for each peace of bread. "I'm not going to let you do it this time because you haven't used a stove yet but I'll let you use it soon so I can teach you the safety of working a stove alright?" he asked his little brother as he put his plates on the table.

Whisper smiled and nodded. His smile was innocent and he knew it would melt hearts when he was older.

Rainier smiled and plated their french toast and then put it on the table for them. "Now lets chow down we have a long day ahead of us." he smiled and pulled out the syrup putting it on the table for them.

Suddenly his cell rang. he walked over and grabbed it off the counter where he had left it the night before. "hello this is Rainier, Oh hi Tala whats up?, a friend of yours needs my help? do I know them? Ok, alright, ok I understand I'll be there by twelve, see you later." Rainier then hung up the phone. "sorry about that bro, a friend just needs some help." he said walking back over and sitting at the table.

He smiled. "That's ok." He said as he poured an ocean of syrup on his french toast after putting peanut butter on it. He then began to eat. "MMmm this is good."

Rainier chuckled and smiled. "Good I"m so glad to hear that." he got to eating his food enjoying it. He didn't make himself breakfast that often so this was deffinantly a change of pace.

Whisper finished his food and Rainier noted he had syrup all over his face like a child would. "What was this stuff anyway? it's sticky. But it's good."

Rainier chuckled and went over to the sink grabbing a wash cloth. he soaked it in warm water then walked over and helped wipe his face. "its called syrup and its supposed to be sticky and good but your not supposed to get it all over the place little bro." he couldn't help but laugh and smile as Whisper let his big brother clean him off.

Whisper smiled. "Sorry...it was good though."

"Its alright no need to be sorry" he chuckled and went to the sink wringing out his washcloth.

"What now?"

"Well I have a meeting to go to with a friend of mine, so if you want you can hang out here for awhile while I'm out then afterwards I'll swing by pick you up then the two of us can go and go clothes shopping for you how does that sound?" he asked curiously.

Whisper looked down and slowly nodded. "I can't come?"

---

Matthew woke up, cleaned up for the day, put away the letter in a pocket, and headed to work.

---

Rasmus woke up to the morning sun his body felt sore but so good in all the right places. he laid there tangled up in his rich red silken sheets behind the black sheer curtains that surrounded the bed. "Mmmm what a morning" he mumbled laying there and smiled as he looked down to the gorgeous goddess in his bed tangled with his body and the sheets, her head against his broad muscular chest. Gently he stroked her hair which was loose and wild curled around her body. " how did I get so blessed." he whispered watching her.

"I could ask the same..." came Nemesis's voice. She looked up at him. "Morning...." She didn't want to move at all.

Rasmus couldn't help but smile at how sexy she looked splayed like that over his bed and him. "Mmm morning to you to" he leaned down and gave her a little kiss then laid back in the position he had been in before. "I could deffinantly get used to waking up like this" he said in a gruff yet seductive voice.

"Oh... I think I could too...last night was...amazing...." She pulled herself closer to his chest in a hug. "I couldn't imagine anything better..."

"Neither could I" he said lovingly wrapping his arms around her body gently his fingers gently played over her waist as his eyes fluttered closed again feeling so happy at that moment being with her like this.

"I love you....Rasmus...."

"I love you too Hotaru" He said and opened an eye looking at her. "Do we have to get out of bed today?" he asked playfully.

"We do... I'm sorry to say..." she said.

Rasmus groaned playfully and chuckled looking down at her. "yeah I guess we do" he leaned down kissing her softly. "What would you like for breakfast?" he asked gazing into her eyes.

"I'd love a real breakfast..." she said with a smile.

"Mmm good" he leaned down and playfully kissed her rolling her over under him as their lips danced together. he couldn't help himself he had to steal a kiss from her.

Nemesis deepened the kiss as he rolled over her. When he was off, she jumped up off the bed, grabbing his shirt, racing from the room as she put it on, laughing the whole time.

Rasmus laughed and yanked his pants on fast not bothering to button them and chased after her through his house. "Get back here you little minx" he said playfully as he chased after her.

She ran into the kitchen, and hid.

Rasmus slid to a stop in the middle of the huge kitchen and looked around. "Come out come out wherever you are" he said in a playfully dark voice as he sensed the air for where she was hiding.

He felt something from the food closet.

Rasmus looked at the closet. he walked over and yanked the door open. "Peeka boo" he said grinning finding her in there.

Nemesis laughed.

Rasmus growled playfully and picked her up in his arms carrying her out of the closet. he picked her up so she was sitting on the counter now. "Mmm you look good enough to eat" he said holding his hands on her hips.

"Oh really now, good sir..." she laughed, struggling just a little to get down, playfully.

"yep I could just gobble you up" he moved one hand to the back of her head and playfully pulled her down kissing her deeply.

Nemesis kissed back passionately, smiling through the kiss.

Rasmus pulled back and smiled at her. "Mmm that was nice" he said with a smile and let her off the counter. "Can I make you breakfast or do you have to be anywhere today?" he asked curiously.

"I only have to go if someone calls me...and I know when I'm called...." she said. "No one wants anyone dead this morning...." She gave him a smile. "And I would love some breakfast."

"Sounds great, what would you like?" he asked curiously resting his arms on her legs as she kept sitting there on his counter.

"Surprise me," Nemesis said, leaning forward to whisper that in his ear.

Rasmus let out a seductive purr at the way she had said that. "yes my lady" he whispered back and let go of her then went through his fridge looking at everything.

Nemesis crossed her legs, sitting on the counter watching him.

Rasmus snapped his fingers in an idea and got to work. it was about an hour later when he finished and laid out before her at the kitchen table a beautiful traditional Chinese breakfast.

"Oh wow... I haven't seen anything set up like that in years," she said, sliding off the counter.

"Its what I do" he smiled and sat down on his side of the table. "I hope you like it by the way I've always enjoyed the full breakfast of the far east" he said taking a bite of rice.

Nemesis nodded. "I agree..."

Rasmus dug in feeling ravenous after the night before, deffinantly a man with a warriors appetite.

Nemesis ate her fill, and just watched Rasmus. He could feel her watching him with those fire eyes. He also felt that the tiger was somewhere in the room watching, but then it was gone again, and he only felt Nemesis's eyes.

Rasmus finished drinking his drink then let out a satisfied sigh as he leaned back after finishing his breakfast. "Did you enjoy watching me eat?" he asked with a playful smirk.

Nemesis smirked back. "And if I did, hmmm...?"

"I don't know I was just curious if you did since you were watching me so intently" he chuckled a soft chuckle sitting there.

Nemesis laughed. "A true warrior indeed...appetite and all."

Rasmus chuckled and smiled "yes I do have a true warrior's ravenous appetite for alot of things, and I do mean alot of things" he said with a heated glint in his eyes.

"Oh..." she said, smirking.

Rasmus chuckled sitting there and smiled warmly at her. Suddenly something popped into his head, she hated the fact that he drank alot and he had a big liqour cabinet in the basement. He got up and went over to her leaning down bring his lips to hers kissing her softly, her lips sweet like nectar. he couldnt help himself she was just so intoxicating.

Nemesis kissed back.

Rasmus pulled back and let out a happy sigh. "by the gods woman, I just can't get enough of you" he said with a seductive growl before kissing her again deeper this time.

SHe smiled against the kiss, and she kissed him back. "As I feel as well..."

"God I need you" Rasmus picked her up in his arms getting her to wrap her legs around his waist. He kissed her deeply pushing her against the wall unable to control himself.

Nemesis kissed back, unable to move from the spot. "I'm glad that I make you happy...I know that I could never replace your deceased wife or daughter......"

"and I know I could never replace your deceased love but we found each other and lets just enjoy what we have, this second chance" he said gazing deeply into her eyes before nuzzling her and gently laying kisses on her neck.

Rasmus remembered what the new fae ruler had said about his daughter being alive, but in the hands of the old ruler.

Nemesis kissed him.

But Rasmus didnt know, he believed him but not it was hard to believe him. But he pushed that back as he enjoyed the feeling of Nemesis in his arms, he kissed her deeply loosing himself in the feel of being with her.

"What are your plans for today?" Nemesis asked once she could make herself pull away.

"Unfortuantely not I don't have any jobs lined up right now." he said as he walked over and leaned back against the counter watching her.

"And I haven't been called away to...you know...." she said with a smirk, staring at him intently.

Rasmus smirked. "Well then how ever shall we past the time?" he asked with a smile standing there looking so sexy in those leather pants that chisled body of his bring back memories of the night before to Nemesis.

"Bye..." Nemesis mouthed, and ran from the room, heading up the stairs.

Rasmus growled and took off after her up the stairs taking two steps at a time before running off down the hall to the bedroom after her seeing her vanish going in his door.

When he go to the room he saw no one.

Rasmus looked around confused and saw her clothes were gone and he couldnt feel any sign of her. "Hotaru?" he asked looking around he couldn't sense her anywhere.

He was then grabbed from behind, a shirt pulled over his eyes. There was a giggle.

"What are you up to you little minx" he chuckled about to grab the shirt off of his eyes when suddenly she had his arms as well. "Hey!" he wasnt totally liking this game.

Her voice came to his ear. "Just playing around." He felt her kiss just behind his ear.

he shivered at how soft yet amazing her lips felt on his skin. "Well alright then I'll let you have your fun with me like this" he said standing there not liking his arms being tied but wanting her to have her fun.

She let his arms go, and moved to stand in front of him. She pulled the shirt off. She smiled up at him, and giggled.

Rasmus chuckled and smiled down at her. "thank you." he suddenly pulled her against him and nuzzled her against her neck tickling her.

She smiled again, giggling. She then stopped giggling, and pushed back, looking away from him, upset.

"Hotaru what is it?" he asked worriedly watching her.

"I have to go.... I'm being called for a job...." She said, moving around, dressing in her outfit, throwing on a cloak. She looked at him sadly. "I don't really want to go...but I have to....it's my....job...."

"Its alright" he went over to her and kissed her softly. "its alright don't worry about it at all go do your job and know I'll be right here waiting for your return" he smiled lovingly down at her. "I'll always be right here waiting for you" he kissed her forehead.

"As will I for you..." Nemsis said, and then disappeared.

((We'll keep the whole her going an assignation thing right here...and start it at the point where she is arriving at the home of the person she is to kill...and if you would, Wolf be the 'soon to be dead' guy ^_^ ))

Nemesis arrived in the shows of the man's home. The one that she was to kill was a powerful mage, and she had to be careful. With her hood up as always on her cloak, Nemesis tracked down the mage, arming herself, and sticking to the shadows. Soon she saw her target, and aimed a throwing knife at his throat, and then she let it fly.

The mage spun around and caught the blade in mid flight. "Come out you filthy assassin." he snarled chucking the blade into the wall. his hands glowed with magic coursing in his body ready to defend himself against his attacker.

Nemesis stepped forward, still hooded, but then disappeared, coming in to place the killing blow on the mage, swiftly.

The mage chanted as she moved "Animus of Vita exsisto" he spun around as he was about to chant the last word and strike her down.

She struke him straight through the throat, cutting off his words, killing him. She then disappeared. Appearing in Rasmus's bathroom, and started the shower, seeing some of the guy's blood on her hands.

Rasmus was laying in his bed wearing nothing but a pair of long black silk sleep pants. He heard the shower running and knew she wanted to be alone for now knowing that feeling of needing to wash after a kill.

She came out of the bathroom, wearing once again one of his shirt. "Hey..."

Rasmus held out his arms. "Come here lets cuddle and get your mind off of it" he said softly and lovingly to her. "We can just watch some movies together alright?" he asked with a loving smile that made her feel so safe and warm.

"I've heard of movies....but have never really seen one...." she said, laying down next to him.

"Well I think you will probably enjoy the movies I like" he grabbed the remote and turned on the movie to begin to play they began watching Underworld deffinantly enjoyable for teh two of them. He slid his arm around her as they snuggled up together for a day just the two of them.

After a while, Nemesis got up to go get something to eat and drink. "I'll be back..." And left. When she did come back, she was carrying popcorn and some drinks, thought there was something different about her to Rasmus.

Rasmus felt that she had a gorgeous glow about her for some reason. He smiled at the sight of her. He decided to change their position and he sat behind her with his back propped up against the vast amounts of pillows and had her sit between his legs with her back against his chest. "So you seem to be enjoying the movie honey" he said as she snuggled up with him and he grabed a few peices of popcorn in his mouth.

"I am... it is amazing..." she said, eating most of the popcorn.

Rasmus smiled glad to hear it as they snuggled together. he noticed her eat pretty much all of the huge bowl of popcorn herself. "you want me to get you something else babe?" he asked curiously wondering if she was really hungry which she was starting to feel ravenous.

"Yes...please..."

Rasmus smiled and kissed her cheek "I'll be right back" he headed off downstairs then came back up with a tray filled with all kinds of fruit for her. "hows this babe?" he asked as he got back in his position behind her and set the tray laying it on the bed next to them.

"Looks great..." She started to eat the fruit two at a time, almost.

Rasmus watched curiously on why she was so starving it was as if she hadn't eaten in a week. he just ignored it as he looked back at the screen as he started the movie up again was she devoured the large fruit plate by herself. Which was alot of fruit he had brought up. Rasmus was distracted from the movie watching how fast she was devouring it all. He was wondering if she was ok.

She looked back at him, and asked, "Do you have any more?"

Rasmus nodded "yeah I do umm is there anything in particular I can get for you?" he asked as he climbed out of bed and stood there looking at her, she had more of that beautiful glow to her, it was all the more radiant now. He was confused on what was going on but he would do anything to make her happy.

Nemesis looked thoughtful for a few seconds and then said. "Pickles and ....ice cream...."

Rasmus was confused by the request. "Alright I'll be right back" he smiled at her then walked off headed downstairs. When he came back he had a huge bown of icecream with a jar of pickles. he didnt know if she wanted them in the icecream or not so he had just brought them with him. "here you are sweety" he said putting the huge bowl of icecream inbtween her legs for her. "And here is your pickles baby" he said as he popped open the top of the jar for her. "I didnt know if you wanted them together but I made sure to get a good amount and I emptied three 2 gallon icecream buckets into that bowl for you" he smiled lovingly at her.

"Thanks....love...." She started to grab a pickle, and dipped it in the ice cream, eatting it all like that. "Mmmmmm...."

Rasmus didn't know how she could eat it but he felt it could just be a strange combination she liked. he had some strange combinations of food he liked. He got back in his position behind her with his legs on either side and her laying back against him as they continues watching the movie. They finished it up and moved on to the second Underworld movie pretty much having their own little movie marathon as she chowed down on her feast. Rasmus snuggled up with her happily as they enjoyed this quality time together.

Looking back and up at him, Nemesis asked, "What do you use to clean your shirts...? Cause this one feels tight..."

"I use Elven fabric soap, it doesnt normally shrink my clothes" he said and looked down the line of her body, gently he slid his hand across her stomach and realized she had a small belly. "Umm honey I don't think its the shirt." He noticed the fabric taught around her stomach and he noticed her breasts were a little larger as well.

Nemesis looked down at her body. "What's going on?"

Rasmus got out from behind her and got in front of her he gently undid her shirt revealing her body. She was gorgeous like this. "I I have no idea" he said sitting there in front of her, he gently slid his hand over her stomach.

"I... I'm....pregnant? But.... it wasn't like..." she stopped. "That spell... that mage... I..."

"Oh god Hotaru I promise I'll be here for you and our child and..." he began to get really nervous hoping she wouldnt hate him since it was his fault if she hadnt slept with him she wouldnt have gotten pregnant and she wouldnt be growing this fast. "I'm so sorry I'm so sorry I'll be here and I'll provide for you and the little one" he said looking up at her with big worried eyes keeping his hand on her belly which he noticed under his hand was very slowly swelling with life he could barely notice it but it was there.

"It's not your fault.... it shouldn't be growing this fast....that mage... I was sent to kill...he was saying a spell or curse as just as I was sending my killing blow....." She looked up at him with loving eyes.

But she could still tell he was scared. "Your alright with all of this" he asked as his hand gently stroked her smooth stomach in a bonding way that was really nice between the two of them. He gazed back at her with loving eyes as well but he felt so bad. in one night of passion he had stolen her freedom and she was bound to him through their unborn child.

Nemesis looked at him, eyes full of love. She place a hand on one of his that was touching her stomach. "I've always wanted children... yes I am... I love you..."

"Hotaru" he leaned over and kissed her deeply and happily loving the feel of her lips against his. He pulled back and smiled at her. "I love you to, and I feel so happy right now" he smiled lovingly then leaned down and playfully kissed her stomach. "Can I get you anything?" he asked sitting there gazing over her beauty.

---

Elda woke up in the morning, Nadya's arms still wrapped around her.

Elda stroked her hair lovingly wondering if she had dreamed of the events of the pass night.

Nadya stirred. She looked up at Elda. "Morning mama..." she said in Roma.

"M...morning..." She responded.

Nadya sat up. "Mother...what's wrong...? I didn't do anything did I...?"

She shook her head."No...it's allot to take in that's all..."

"Oh..." said Nadya. She gave a stretch, then rubbed her left arm as if it hurt. "Slept on it wrong..." she muttered.

Elda held her closely. "Sorry baby. Are you alright?"

Nadya looked up at her mother. "My arm hurts sometimes... it... I had broken it when I was six..."

She hugged her sadly. "I am sorry...do you want something to eat?"

Nadya smiled at her mother. "Yes... I have my blood down stairs..." She didn't ask how it broke....

Elda slid from the bed and changed then lifted Nadya up. "Sweetheart? How...what happened to your arm?" She looked like she was afraid of the answer.

Nadya hugged her arms around Elda's neck. "Gage...father..." she muttered.

She hugged her close. "I am so sorry."

"It's his fault, not yours mommy..."

Elda held her close. "It isn't your fault."

Nadya nodded. "Yes mommy...I love you...." She snuggled into Elda's neck.

She held her and walked downstairs. She gently set Nadya into a chair and started to prepare to cook. "How does french toast sound?"

"With my special syrup," smiled Nadya.

She smiled. "Yes...your special syrup." She started to cook french toast. "I wonder when Tala and Liam will be down. Do you think I should wait on theirs?"

"Yes..." said Nadya. "I think we should wait for brother and sister..."

"Alright. But I am going to make one piece for each of us till they wake up. I am eating for two now." She said as she cooked two pieces and passed her one.

"I'm no longer the youngest..." said Nadya with a smile.

She smiled back a hand going to her stomach. "I know. Our family is growing..."

Nadya nodded. "Yep!"

"They still haven't come down..."

Tala laid in her bed with tear stained cheeks, she hadn't figured out how to find Liam yet through all the spells she knew she hadn't been able to figure out. She hadn't slept a wink and laid there unable to bare facing the others.

"I'll check on them..." Nadya said, and ran off. Tala heard someone knocking on the bedroom door. "Tala!" called Nadya. "Breakfast!"

"I'm not hungry Bryte" she called to her and sat up in her bed wiping her eyes.

"But...Tala... my mother is making french toast..." She sound excited.

Elda waited worried. Something felt off and she was worried

"I'm really not hungry Bryte but thank you" Tala said trying to sound normal as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat there looking out her window.

"Okay...I'll go see if Liam wants any...." said Nadya.

"Liam's not home Bryte" she said and her heart hurt feeling so ashamed she hadn't been able to protect him. She got up out of bed and went to the door opening it. "Liam is gone and I don't know where he went or if he'll ever be back." She said as tears filled her eyes again.

"What?" came the little one's voice.

Tala fell to her knees as she stood there at the door. "I'm sorry" she began to sob softly.

Nadya hugged Tala. "It's not your fault, Tala... sister... it's not your fault..."

Elda had come up to see what was happening and she hugged her too. "You can't be everywhere at once...We'll find him..."

Tala slumped into their arms crying still feeling so bad about it.

Elda stroked her hair trying to calm her. Tala realized at that moment that the young man that had gone into her shop asking about the old king bore a resemblance to Elda.

Tala just shook it out of her head, thinking it was just coincidence. Her tears slowed and she calmed down just sitting there. Elda was going to be a great mother she could just feel it.

Elda continued to stroke her hair murmuring soothingly to both Tala and Bryte.

Tala calmed down and sat up wiping her tears. "thank you Elda" she said softly looking at her.

"We love you, sister," said Nadya.

"I love both of you too" Tala said and pulled them both into a hug with her. She was lucky to have them in her life.

"Tala...I have to tell you something..." said Nadya/Bryte.

"What is it?" she asked softly.

"That is my mother..." she said pointing at Elda.

Tala cocked in eyebrow hearing the older voice come out of Bryte. "you said you were calling her that but do you really mean she's your 'real' mother?" she asked curiously.

Elda blushed. "Umm...I was reborn...but I was her mother...her real name is Nadya."

Nadya nodded, looking at Elda. "I had already told her able me being a vampire...."

"that's so wonderful" Tala smiled happily hearing that. "I'm so happy you two have found each other again." she gave them another hug then suddenly remembered about her meeting with Seit and the princess today and needing to get a hold of Rainier. "Lets go have some breakfast I've seemed to have found my appetite again." she smiled.

Elda helped her to seat and put some food and juice in front of her. 'We will find him..."

Nadya nodded. "Yes...he is our friend...our family."

Elda surprisingly, agreed.

Tala smiled and nodded. "yes of course." she began to eat as she sat there. "Mmm this is good" she said happily chowing down on her food.

Nadya agreed, smiling. "Especially with my...." she stopped. "I love it mom..."

Tala suddenly remembered her appointment with Seit and the princess. "oh that's right I need to make that phone call." she got up and went to the phone and dialed a number. "Hi Rainier its Tala, I need your help with a friend of mine its kinda hush hush. You probably do know him just don't remember him. So do you think you could meet me at my shop at noon. Oh thanks so much Rainier. Talk to you later, bye bye" She hung up then went back to the table. "Sorry a friend of mine needs some help and I'll be heading to the shop right after breakfast." she said eating some more.

Elda smiled. "Ok. Should we stay here?"

Nadya looked out the window. "It's going to be a pretty day... I don't think we should...the sun is so bright right now....imagine later...."

Tala nodded looking at the window then at her. "I would feel better also if you two stayed here, with what happened to Liam I couldn't bare the thought of you two being out there and someone kidnapping you." she said in a soft tone.

"Ok...is it safe if Nadya and I are in the backyard?"

Nadya looked at Tala.

"Yes the backyard is fine, its a good size so I think you two could have alot of fun back there." she smiled at them before sipping her juice.

Nadya smiled. She was happy to have her mother, and to have others she can call family.

"Thank you..."

Nadya clapped her hands excited.

"Your very welcome, besides I think the two of you will enjoy my garden alot back there its doing quite well this year." she giggled.

"Yay!" laughed Nadya.

Elda smiled gently taking Nadya's hand. "Be careful Tala."

"I hope you find Liam...I don't want another friend to disappear after meeting me....." sadi Nadya in a whisper.

Tala went over and hugged her. "We'll find him I promise it might take a while but we'll find him Bryte." she said and then let go. "now I have to go get washed up and changed for my meeting I'll be down in a few." she turned and headed off upstairs to her room again.

"It's Nadya!" called Nadya.

It was a little later the Tala came downstairs, she had her hair in its long braid as usual while she wore a beautiful long sleeve green silk top with golden embroidery along the top, around the bell sleeves and around the bottom of the top of a series of Oak leaves while she wore a simple pair of Jeans today with a pair of brown gladiator sandals. "I'm sorry Nadya I just got used to calling you Bryte" she smiled at them. "Alright you two have fun now and I'll be back in a little while." she turned and headed out the door to head to her shop for the meeting.

"Bye!" Nadya called with a smile.

"Bye." Elda chimed in

---

Morning came for Sol.

He groaned from the pain of changing back. He unlocked the cage and headed upstairs to get food. Inferno followed him

Sol showered and dressed he went into the kitchen then remembered what he had said. He looked to Inferno. "Is it a good idea becoming friends with someone with my condition? Yet...I gave her my word." He said as he readied himself to leave.

---

"Sol!" she shouted, she didn't even notice that her body was glowing white and blue with magic she ran towards him worried not knowing why but she was really worried for him.

She woke before she reached him

She sat up and gasped waking up gently putting her hand on her heart. "Wow what a dream" she whispered to herself. "Mmmm but other then that I slept great" she stretched out on the bed lounging in the sun that was shining in her windows.

She heard a knock on the door

"Coming!" she called out and climbed out of bed. she grabbed her complimentary bathrobe and threw it on and went to the door opening it.

Sol stood there. Today he wore a dark red t-shirt, black jeans and a black leather jacket. Inferno perched on his shoulder. "Hungry?"

She blushed "hi I really didn't think you were actually going to come" she said shyly and looked down at herself in her robe. "I'm sorry I'm not dressed" she blushed deeper scarlet. "And I would love to go get something to eat" she said and walked into her room she went to her duffel bag pulling out a change of clothes for the day.

Sol smiled and turned around. "I will wait out here for you is that alright? And as to you not thinking I was coming, I gave my word."

She watched him close the door then pulled out her outfit. She grabbed a simple black t shirt that had a crescent moon on the chest while she wore a pair of dark wash flare jeans and black sandals. "This is alright" she said looking at herself in the mirror. she pulled her hair into a bun on her head. "that's good" she said pulling her coat on, she walked out the door pulling it closed behind her and locked it. "I'm ready to go now" she smiled up at him.

He smiled and lead her outside it was a sunny day and his motorcycle was parked near by. "Where would you like to eat?"

"I haven't been here long so I don't know you can choose" she said as she held her hands together in front of her.

"Well I know a few places." he lead her to his motorcycle and handed her his helmet. "Put this on."

Lamya looked at the helmet as she blushed then tugged it on. "Ready" she put her thumbs up standing there feeling goofy in the helmet.

He got on the motorcycle and waited. "Hold onto my waist."

Lamya got on it behind her blushing inside her helmet and slid her arms around his waist. She blushed at the feeling of his body against hers. "Ready" she said as she made herself comfortable.

He drove them to a restaurant near the library and parked. He turned off the engine and locked up the motorcycle. He helped her get off the bike. "this place has delicious food."

Matthew was walking to the library, when he felt a pull. Looking around, he saw a man and woman get off a motorcycle, and his heart jumped for both of them.

Lamya felt pulled towards Matthew.

Sol felt pulled towards Matthew.

Lamya just ignored it as she stood there and pulled her helmet off. She stayed quiet as she stood there shyly.

Sol looked toward Mathew but was unsure what to do. He took the helmet and slung it on the handle bars.He's cute...why am I feeling this now? I can't let anyone in, they will be in danger, as it is I am putting Lamya in danger. He shook his head as though to clear it. "Ready?"

"Yes I'm ready" she gave a soft smile, her heart was pulling towards both of them but she was ignoring feelings of the heart she had gotten out of a relationship before she came here to Ireland and she didn't need another one any time soon.

Sol cast one last look toward Mathew and lead her inside helping her into her seat. They were given menus

Lamya took her seat and looked everything over. "it all looks so good" she said thinking about it.

Sol ordered a carafe of orange juice for them to share. He waited for her to order first. "Their omelets are delicious."

"That sounds fabulous" she giggled and smiled at him "I'll have an omelet." she poured herself a glass of juice.

he ordered one as well and soon they were brought very large and deluxe omelets.

"Oh wow these look fabulous!" she said excitedly and began to chow down on the amazingly delicious meal.

He smiled and ate as well. He took some fruit from a side dish he had ordered and fed some to Inferno.

"your bird is very beautiful" she said watching as he fed him.

He smiled. "Actually, he thinks I am the pet. He came to me awhile back. Despite searching I haven't found him listed in any books on birds...but he has been a good friend." He said with a smile.

She smiled, "your lucky to have a friend like that" she said with sad eyes watching them.

He looked at her. "Can we be friends?" He asked before he could prevent the words from escaping his mouth.

Lamya blinked a couple of times and smiled. "I would really like that I don't have any friends here in Ireland and you seem like a really nice guy and I would be honored to have you as a friend." she giggled and smiled up at him.

He smiled in return, his gold eyes seemed to light up and warm to a honey gold. "So would I. Believe it or not I really don't have any friends here besides Inferno..."

Matthew walked into the diner.

"Then lets be each others friends, everyone needs friends in this world and I would really like for us to be friends." she giggled.

Sol smiled and nodded. His eyes skimmed over to where Mathew was and inwardly he gulped. It was the man from before...just looking at him made his heart ache. He tried to force his eyes away but kept watching him out of the corner of his eye. "So how long are you planning to stay in Ireland?"

Matthew started to head over to the two he had seen earlier.

Sol blinked in surprise but tried to pretend he hadn't noticed his approach as he took a drink from his glass. poising it long enough to study Mathew.He's cute...but I can't let myself become attached to anyone...

Matthew smiled nervously as he came up. "Hi....hmmmm....." he started.

Sol lowered the glass and smiled. I won't be rude though...and I feel something for him. "May I help you?" Sol asked politely.

Lamya looked up at Matthew and turned red feeling her heart pound at the sight of him, she looked down letting her hair cover her face and gently sipped her juice trying to go unnoticed.

Matthew looked between the two at the table. "I..." he started, trying to calm his beating heart, the heart that beat loudly for each person at the table. "...I...don't want to sound...creepy or anything of the like...but since I saw the both of you this morning, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind...and..... I don't want to...." Matthew looked down a bit.

Lamya blushed not knowing why this guy was saying something like that about plain ol' her she wasn't anything special.

Sol set his glass down with a shaky hand. He hooked an empty chair with his foot and pulled it over for Mathew. He wasn't sure what to say to him. He...can't, for her yes, not for me...please don't get involved with me... "Please...excuse me, I need to use the restroom. You can join us though." He said politely after a tense silence. He rose to his feet and headed toward the restroom.

Sol could feel Matthew gazing after him. Matthew then looked at Lamya, and sat down. "My name is Matthew... if I may ask yours, miss?"

"Lamya" she said in a soft tone and looked up at him shyly through her brown beautiful bangs with her rare pink eyes.

A little time passed and Sol hadn't returned. They also noted the absence of Inferno.

"He hasn't come back....did I do something? I...." Matthew looked sad, but didn't leave her. Lamya felt that he wouldn't have left the diner to look for Sol, well not with out her in tow.

Lamya blushed sitting there. "I don't know, I barely know him myself." she said in a soft shy manner. "that was so mean of sol and he left me with the tab also? that's a good eighteen bucks down the drain" she thought to herself.

Matthew looked at her, then called for the waiter, handing the waiter some money for the food at the table.

"It was already payed for by the young man that was here with her..."

Matthew looked over at Lamya. "Want to go for a walk? Maybe we will run into your companion...."

Lamya blushed "no its ok I don't want to take anymore of your time sir" she stood and bowed so adorably. "Please you have a nice day sir" she then began to make her way to the door. her heart pounding not wanting to leave the man but she had to. She was better off alone.

"Wait.... please Lamya..." said Matthew, following her. When he got beside her, Matthew took her hand gently not wishing or wanting to let go. "Please let me... walk you to your home.... I...." He blushed.

Lamya turned scarlet across her cheeks and looked up at him shyly and so adorably. But so beautiful as well as the morning light shined in the windows of the cafe. his hand felt so good in hers but she had made a promise she wasn't going to get involved with anyone. "I don't have a home mister Matthew I'll be fine walking to where I'm staying on my own please I I don't want to be a burden" she looked away shyly her hand was still in his though she didn't want to let go.

"Please it's no burden...and it's just Matthew..." he said with a sweet smile. "I want to walk....with you...."

Lamya's heart was pounding in her chest. "Alright, Matthew" she said softly looking up at him. "I'm staying at the Green Man Inn." she didn't know why he was looking at her with such a heat and intensity in his eyes she wasn't beautiful so him looking at her like that was confusing.

"I think I know where that is..." he laughed. He's laugh was light and calm. "I just recently moved here from London so..." He looked into her eyes. "I hope I don't scare you away...but... you have beautiful eyes..." he said softly.

There was that scarlet blush across her cheeks once more. "thank you that's really kind of you" they walked out of the Cafe together still holding hands. Lamya didn't know why but just feeling the touch of his skin on hers felt wonderful and she wouldn't admit it but she liked holding his hand. It made her mind wander on what it would feel like to curl in his strong arms letting the scent of him fill her nose. She turned deeper red and looked down at the ground trying not to think of it.

"Is something wrong? I really would hope that I haven't offended you in any way," Matthew said. He looked truly sincere in his words and body language.

"No no you didnt offend me at all" she said blushing looking up at him. "its me I'm just... I've been alone for awhile now and I'm not used to people being kind to me, Especially from where I'm from no one really is ever this kind" her hand on his tightened a little bit "please forgive me I'm just not totally comfortable yet, just give me a little time and I'll calm down and really your compliment was kind my ex, he never liked my eyes he always said that they were freaky so I'm not used to compliments on my eyes." she remembered how her ex always made her wear colored contacts that were brown to hide her eyes.

"I don't see how any one in their right mind would find them freaky... and it's alright, I've been alone for some time too... most women or...men..." he said, saying 'men' very softly not wanted to really scare her away, because he really was enjoying just talking and walking with her. "...find that I'm too good....too kind and gentle to be true..." He looked thoughtful, sadness in his eyes as he remembered his own failed attempts at a relationship.

"I wish my ex had been kind and gentle like you" she said and turned red that she had said that. "he was very aggressive, I remember many nights when he would, want 'something' and he would get it no matter what" she shivered remembering it he could tell from her body language that she had been damaged in her life. The thought of someone hurting her for reasons like that angered him greatly for some reason. "I'm sorry I don't mean to bore you with my life"

"No....you are not boring me...." he said softly, looking at her. "I think what he did to you was wrong... I would never do that to any woman or....man..."

There it was a again, or man, Lamya knew it wasnt right for anything to happen between them she couldnt bare the thought of loosing someone to another person especially loosing her love to a man. "your very kind I think whoever you end up with will be very lucky" she said looking up at him then ahead again.

"Whoever...?" Matthew question, taking her hand again, stopping her. He turned her towards him. "Whoever I end up with...? I would hope that the one I end up would know that I'd never leave them.... and understand that I love one other, but of the opposite sex.... I feel...." Matthew blushed deeply, looking down into her eyes. "I... love you...Lamya.... I feel it... I know it...."

Lamya squeaked looking up at him. Lamya's heart pounded in her chest, she didnt know what she was feeling but was it really love? no she wasnt going to jump into anything. "you love me? you barely even know me." she didnt know why but she craved for him to kiss her.

"I know I barely know you...and that you barely know me...but my heart is screaming in my head... screaming in my head that you are the one.... the one woman for me...." then whispering it, he continue, "...and that man...that had been with you...my heart beats hard for him too..." Then louder he said, "...my heart is also telling me to....." Matthew wrapped his arms gently around her waist, and gently kissed her soft lips.

Lamya blushed bright red and surprised by herself she slid her arms around his neck and kissed him back. her heart pounded excited in her chest, her heart leading her into this as she kissed him back the feeling of him in her arms so right. She felt the same for him her heart beating for this man but, he had said he wanted Sol to. She couldnt, her heart couldnt bare the thought of sharing someone with another. Lamya pushed back as her heart ached. "no I can't" she turned and ran off down the street crying. her heart beat for him but she couldnt bare the heart break again. She had left New York to get away from it she wouldn't bare the heart break again.

Matthew ran after her. "Lamya!" He grabbed her from behind, pulling her into a hug. "Lamya please... talk to me... I don't want to lose you.... I... please.... I love you...." He held her close, gently but tightly.

"I can't not if you love someone else, I can't stand to watch that, When I finally find that special someone I want them to be with me and me alone, because I'm the one they want I'm the one they care for I'm the only one they need in this world because they love me and I love them, I couldnt stand watching them fall for another and I'm not going to so just leave me alone and go for him because you sure as hell don't have me" she said pulling out of his arms. "I don't know what this is I feel for you but I'm not going to admit love, I came out of a horrible relationship and I'm not going to get into another one especially if I know I'm not the only one for them and that their going to treat me right." she said crying standing there looking up at him.

Matthew stared at her. He could feel his heart breaking. A tear ran down his cheek. "I..... didn't want to hurt you... if you say... if you ask me not to go after him.... I will..... I.... don't want to break the heart of someone I look......" Another tear rolled down his face.

Lamya felt her heart hurt seeing him like this, she walked over and brushed the tears from his face. "do you really mean that?" she asked softly gazing into his eyes. He was so handsome and so kind. "I I feel something for you I just don't want to get my heart ripped out again" she whispered softly.

"I would never do that to anyone....I'd never do that to you...." He wrapped his arms around her again. "Just please know that I won't be able to get him out of my heart.... when I had headed to the library...headed to work.... I couldn't get either of you out of my head or heart...please I don't want to lose you...."

"I understand you wont be able to get him out of your heart just knowing though that you really want to be with me and will be with just me makes me happy." she gently pulled him in for a kiss wrapping her arms around his neck loving the feeling of his lips against her lips.

Matthew kissed back. Sol... I will always love you.... I'll protect you... as I can from a far..... "I wish for you to be happy...."

"I'm sorry that my happiness hurts you though" she said softly knowing it hurt him that she didnt want him to go after Sol romantically.

"You don't need to be sorry at all... I will always love him just as I love you...but you need me the most...and I understand that.... I love you Lamya..."

"I I think I love you to Matthew" she whispered gazing deeply up into his eyes.

"I love you too... And I love your eyes...unique...." Matthew said, gazing back at her.

"thank you" she said softly and adorably. "So umm what would you like to do together?" she asked shyly not knowing what he liked and wanting to be sure they did something he liked to do.

"Any thing you'd like to do, Lamya..." He then laughed lightly. "As got as there is no running involved....at least for now..... you were really fast...."

Lamya blushed and giggled "I was a runner in highschool" she patted her thighs. "I have strong legs" she said adorably before pulling him down and kissing him softly on the lips. "and I just got here to town yesterday I don't know what their is to do."

"What is your favorite thing to do?"

"Well my favorite thing is photography but I havent had a camera in awhile I had to pawn my camera back in london for some money after I was robbed." she blushed and covered her mouth she didnt want to tell him that.

"Well... I know of a place where you could get a new camera...." Matthew said with a smile.

"No no its alright really it is I don't have the money for one anyways" she said blushing. "I have enough to pay for rent for about three weeks so I really don't have any left to spend." she blushed.

"Let me be the one to pay for it, Lamya....I would love to pay for it...for you...." Matthew said softly. "And if you would like I could speak with the library....I am sure that they would love a handing hand...."

Lamya blushed, "Oh Matthew that would be great" she threw her arms around his neck hugging him happily. "thank you for being so kind to me" she giggled as he hugged her tightly.

"Lamya, even if we were just friends I'd do this for you.... You have a beautiful smile.... and I love you, Lamya... anything...for you..." Matthew hugged her back. "Now there is a shop that I've seen that has wonderful cameras...this way..." Matthew started to lead her towards the shop.

Lamya blushed bright red, she felt so good when she was with him. She giggled and walked along with him feeling so lucky.

Matthew took her inside a shop that had all sorts of camera and other electronics. "Pick which ever one that you like...and please don't look at the price....alright..."

"I'll I'll try not to" she blushed looking over the Cameras even though he said not to still she wasnt going to get one to expensive. She began to wander around the store looking at the amazing Cameras trying to pick the one for her.

Matthew watched to see if which camera she showed the most interest in.

Lamya showed alot of interest in a beautiful five hundred dollar camera and the interchangeable lenses that went with it but she shyed away seeing the price not wanting him to spend anywhere near that much money with it five hundred just for the camera and one hundred just for one of the lenses she didnt want him to do anything like that.

While she was looking at some of the other camera, Matthew went up to the clerk, and whispering, pointed out the camera and the lenses, and had the clerk get them, and wrap them up. He then bought them, and walked over to Lamya with the bag. He tapped her shoulder. "Lamya... come on..." he said with a smile on his face, handing over the bag.

Lamya opened the bag and looked in. "Oh Matthew" tears of joy filled her eyes. "you didnt have to really This is just so much" she felt bad that she couldnt by him anything in return the camera and the lenses were beautiful. she giggled and hugged him tightly. Her ex never bought her anything nice like this unless it was jewelry or sexy panties and sleep wear that she didnt like at all usualy because he had odd tastes.

"I'm glad you like it.... I like to save up my earnings to spend it on friends and love ones....but I don't have any loved ones besides my mother... who died recently....and I don't really have many friends...." Matthew said. "Just think of it as a gift for all thoses special times that we didn't know each other....alright?"

Lamya blushed and nodded "alright" she whispered and fanned her face holding back her need to cry from happiness. "your so sweet" she whispered hugging him tight.

"I'm just happy that you are happy, love..." he whispered back.

"Come on lets go try it out" she giggled and took his hand in hers and dragged him off in the direction of the fountain she had seen on her way to the cafe.

Matthew smiled, following behind her gladly.

Upon arrival Lamya look out her camera and began to snap beautiful images of the fountain that showed amazing talent.

Matthew leaned back against a tree watching her with a smile. "You're a natural..."

"No I'm not that good its just a silly hobby" she said adorably looking at him.

"It's not a silly hobby if you think it's important..." Matthew said, gently.

she gave a soft yet slightly sad smile towards him. Something must have happened about her photography where she didnt find it top in her life anymore. She went back to taking beautiful pictures of the fountain and the area around.

Matthew walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, careful of the camera in her hands. "What happened, Lamya? Please don't be afraid to tell me anything that is on your mind...."

"Growing up I loved photography and took many classes and things but no one ever enjoyed my artwork they always said my pictures were to plain and dull even my teacher never liked my artwork the one time I tried something interesting which was a portrait of myself but I had edited it so it was black and white but yet my eyes and lips were different colors and they said it was stupid and weird. So I just pushed it in the background in my life as nothing more then a hobby." she said softly and sadly.

Matthew held her. "I am sure that they were beautiful just like the one that had created them....'

"Oh Matthew" she said softly and lovingly and snuggled in his arms the feeling of being close to him made her feel so safe and warm.

Matthew pulled back and looked down at her, smiling, loving. "Why don't you take some more pictures..."

"Can I take pictures of you?" she asked softly and adorably gazing up at him with those gorgeous rose pink eyes of hers.

Matthew kissed her forehead. "If it makes you happy, Lamya..."

Lamya giggled and smiled happily up at him. "Come on" she pulled him over to a place and put him in a pose and began to take pictures of him. "Wow you look really good" she said going over the pictures in her camera.

"I'm glad that I could be of service," he said with a smile, watching her.

Lamya got an adorable idea. she giggled and skipped over to him and sat on his lap then playfully kissed his cheek taking a picture of the two of them together. "I like that, I like that alot" she said as they looked at it together. but her eyes were closed in the picture which he didnt like to much.

"You should open your eyes... don't hide them..." Matthew said. He took the camera gently for her hand, and took the picture of the two of them. "There...and that right there is a perfect picture." Matthew then stood up, and moved away from her, and then started to take pictures of her.

Lamya blushed and giggled putting her hands on her face "Matthew" she turned red, she didnt find herself that attractive and was never a fan on being on the other side of the camera.

"Please...Lamya, you're beautiful...don't hide your face...please"

Lamya blushed and nodded. "Alright" she put her hands on her lap and looked at him with that adorable blush across her cheeks and smiled.

"Wonderful..." He took some more pictures, and then sat down next to her. "Look..." he said, showing her the pictures.

"Oh wow do I really look like that?" she asked as she watched him go through them all.

"Yes, you do..." he said gently.

Lamya adorably turned scarlet across her cheeks. "Wow" she said looking at one picture he took of her with her fingers in the fountain as she looked down in the water. she giggled and looked up at him. "Your deffinantly a better photographer then I am" she said before stealing a little kiss from him.

Matthew smiled. "I'm not really... but I have read a few books."

"I still think your better" she giggled and playfully tapped her index finger on his nose.

Matthew just smiled at her. "oh..."

"oh what?" She asked as she tucked her hair behind her ears.

"You think I'm better? I'm sure that you are much better than I..." Matthew said, and lightly kissed her.

Lamya lightly kissed him back gently wrapping her arms around his neck feeling so safe warm and wonderful in his arms.

Matthew looked down lovingly. "Where to now...?"

"I really don't know" she stood and spun around "i don't know this place that well so why don't you decide?" she asked with a giggle.

Matthew smiled. "I've read that there are suppose to be some ruins around here... you could take pictures of that.... and we can explore it together..."

"that sounds fantastic, back in the US where I'm from I was in college for Archiology and ancient religion." she said her eyes were lit up with excitement at the sounds of exploring old ruins.

"I'm glad your excited..." he said smiling.

Lamya took his hand in hers. "Should we pack a lunch for later or something before we go?' she asked gazing up at him.

"It is up to you..." he said.

Lamya gave him a look and tapped his nose "If this is going to work out between us I want you to have opinions too I don't want to keep hearing Its up to you from you" she said before stealing a soft kiss from him. "Ok?" she asked wrapping her arms around his neck and getting nose to nose with him.

"Alright, if you insist..." said Matthew. He then quickly, but carefully, scooped Lamya up, and started to walk back into town.

Lamya squeeked and blushed giggling snuggling against his strong body loving the feel of him holding her in his arms. Her blush across her cheeks so adorable bringing out her beauty as she snuggled happily against him. Being with him was a dream come true and yet she barely knew him.

Matthew carried her all the way back to the apartment building his home was in. "I say we make lunch to go... I have some things we can make lunch out of..."

"Alright that sounds like fun" she said and blushed as he carried her threw the threshold of the apartment building and then up to his apartment and she blushed and giggled as he miraculously unlocked the door and carried her through that threshold as well. she held onto his neck and buried her face in the nape of it as he opened the door and carried her in. "You know that was really romantic." she said sweetly as she gave his neck a little nuzzle loving the rich scent of him.

"I'm glad you enjoyed that...." he said, setting her down, heading into his kitchen, and pulling together some lunches. Lamya could see that the apartment looked like someone was still moving in, or was moving out, but other than that is was cleaning than a normal male's apartment.

Lamya looked around the large livingroom and then walked over to the couch gently running her fingers over the really soft rich green fabric. "Moving in or moving out?" she called to him as she walked over to the kitchen. She gazed at the large area the real wooden cabinets and the granite counters. the place was absolutely beautiful in her opinion. Her place back in the states had been nothing like this. She stood in the doorway leaning against the doorframe watching him move around the kitchen with such ease.

"Still moving in... I've moved here from London.... been there all my life...but... I wanted change.... something different...." Matthew said with a smile over towards her as he worked on the sandwiches.

"Your place is beautiful, I never had a place this beautiful back in the states" she ran her fingers over the cold Granite as she walked towards him. She came up behind him and slid her arms around his waist laying her chin on his shoulder. She blushed holding her hands on his stomach. He was hiding a really nice body under those clothes it felt like.

"Thank you.... and.... you are welcome here anytime.... I had saved up a lot of money....and not I'm paying for it...but it's worth it.... I have a good job... and I've met you...." He placed a hand on one of her's that rested on his stomach.

"thank you thats really sweet of you" she said softly holding him in her arms happily they had just met but after awhile who knew maybe she could call this her home especially with him one day. She giggled and nuzzled his back. "By the way what are you making" she asked playfully sticking her head under his arm looking at the counter.

"Ham sandwiches.... I don't really have much...and I never really keep much here...." he said, as he finished up.

"How come?" she asked curiously as she ran her fingers across the curves of his muscular stomach through his shirt. she didnt even realize she was doing it; it was just so snuggly and felt good under her hands.

"I'm only one person...if I kept too much food here, it would spoil..... plus I'm use to buying what I need at the time...."

"Do you eat out alot?" she asked curiously she loved cooking meals their was something wonderful about making a nice meal yourself.

---

Matthew headed inside the library and went right to work.

He couldn't banish them from his thoughts

Who were they? he thought as he shelved books.

One of his coworkers brought over a cart with more books for that section of the library. "Did you go to music night?"

"Yeah...it was really good..."

"So now if someone is talking about Demon Rising you will know what they are talking about huh?"

"Yeah I will..." he said...

The worker smiled putting up books

Matthew shelved his books, thoughts still on the couple from before.

He got a feeling they both needed someone.

Matthew finished his work, and headed for the main door. "Going on break!" he called.

One of his coworkers waived to signal they had heard.

Matthew walked down the street towards where he had seen them

He spotted the diner

---

Isabel woke up in the morning, and sighed. She picked up the phone on the table, and called information so that she could get and address for the McKnights in the area.

She found one

Isabel sent out to locate the address, and to speak with the family.

She reached the house. It looked like noone was home.

Isabel sat outside the door.

Still no one came.

Isabel decided to look around inside by using her powers to get inside.

The top floors and ground floors appeared normal aside from some strange items in one of the top rooms. When she scanned the basement she noticed a large cage taking up a large part of the basement. There was also a perch across the room, though no bird was present.

"What? What is this? What?" Isabel asked no one in confusion.

The rest of the basement was bare aside from and area where a freezer and some boxes were. There was also a work bench with tools for woodcarving.

Isabel sensed for the owners.

It lead toward town.

Isabel headed out, following the scent.

She finally spotted a diner.

She got a feeling she needed to go into the woods.

Isabel looked in that direction, and ran off.

---

Aeliat got up, cleaned up as best he could, and started for school.

He got to school and saw Raya.

He gave a small wave towards her.

She smiled and walked over to him. "Here." She said handing him a pin for her band and a bottled drink. She also handed him a snack bar and an orange. "I thought you might be hungry."

"Ah...thanks...." said Aeliat taking the food.

She smiled. "You're welcome."

Aeliat started to eat the orange.

She smiled and waved as she headed to her first class

Aeliat headed to class as well.

When he got to his class room he noticed a small group of students discussing something. There was an air of tension about the room.

Aeliat headed to his seat, keeping an ear on the group.

They shook their head as they began to set down. "That would explain his brother missing class. I hope they find the little kid. But two four days? Chances are the little kid is dead." One of them said.

One of the other students looked horrified at the suggestion.

"What happened?" he asked.

One of the kids looked to him explaining about the missing child. "The little kid is Jacob's brother that is why he hasn't attended class. Initially the police thought the child had wondered off but all of the family members fell asleep at the same time and there were no footprints to be found that matched the kid or anyone else that may have taken him...it's a mystery..."

"Oh..."

"Yes...the kid is not that old only a few years."

"Hmmm...." Aeliat sat down, pulling out his notebook.

The teacher came in and everyone quickly took their seats. They began their lessons

Aeliat listened, and wrote down the notes the best he could.

After awhile the time for lunch came.

Aeliat went to his table, waiting for Raya.

He didn't see her and got a bad feeling.

Aeliat got up, and went looking for his 'friend'. Though he didn't make it look like he was looking for anything.

He heard commotion from one of the empty class rooms and the sound of something heavy hitting the wall.

Aeliat quickly moved into the classroom.

Four boys pinned an unconcious Raya to the floor as a fifth one was trying to remove her pants.

Aeliat rushed the boy, slugging him. "Leave her alone!"

"You bastard! Stay out of this."

Aeliat slugged him again. This time leaving a huge burn on the guy's face. "Leave her alone!" he repeated.

The guys friends moved away from her to attack him as their leader screamed in pain.

"Stop it!" he said, still punching the boy as flames appeared on the other boys.

They screamed in pain and hurried from the room.

Raya lay on the floor. He noticed evidence that she had tried to defend herself and was beaten unconscious.

---

Seanna woke up, feeling her head against something.

She frowned realizing she had clothes on. She looked around then bolted up in shock as she realized she wasn't the only occupant of her bed.

Seit was laying there in the bed, clothes still on, sleeping on top of the covers.

She slowly relaxed a little and gently touched his shoulder. "Seit?"

Seit woke, looking around. "Seanna, you're awoke...it's morning already?"

She looked down and nodded. "Sorry...about last night..."

"It's okay...and," he said, touching the necklace Tala had given, "it looks like this necklace the Earth Maiden gave me is working..."

"The Earth Maiden...she is here? She gave you that?" She asked with hope.

Seit nodded. "She was given it by a male like yourself to help her against another... she suggested that we all meet up today to speak about training you in controlling your power...."

"Oh...you think it is safe?"

Seit nodded. "Yes I know.

She nodded. "The Earth Maiden was one of my caretakers..."

"I know...she told me... she has imagined what you'd look like now..."

She blushed. "She was like another mother to me...she would protect me from my father's wraith. Did...she say anything...about my mother?" Seanna looked worried.

Seit smiled at her. "Why don't you ask her for your self? I was going to be taking us over to her shop after breakfast..."

Seanna slowly nodded. "You're right...I hope she still likes me..."

"I told her that we would come to her shop to meet up with her..." said Seit.

"Alright. After we are finished with breakfast?" She asked as she ate.

Seit nodded with a smile. "Of course not without having breakfast..."

She looked toward the window as though deep in thought. "What if he hurt my mother when I left?"

"Then he will pay for hurting you...and your mother..." Seit said.

She hugged herself at the thought and nodded. "Thank you for being my friend."

Seit moved over to her, and hugged her close. "Let me be a protector for you...."

She blushed and nodded. "Thank you. And friends right?"

"Yes....again...I'm sorry about the kiss... I..."

"It's alright..."

Seit nodded.

"Shall we go see them?"

"Yes...come my lady..." Seit said, smiling.

She followed. "Seit...please just call me Seanna..."

---

Tsura rolled in her sleep, really loving laying in a bed after all the traveling she had done.

Demon cooked breakfast down stairs and the smell wafted up to her.

Tsura got dressed and headed down the stairs. "Something smells good...Demon," Tsura said....

"I hope you like it. It's hash."

Tsura smiled. "I do."

He smiled and gave her some taking some for himself. "What would you like to drink?"

"Juice would be fine, Demon..."

He poured them both juice.

Tsura drank some. "Mmmmhmmmm..." she said.

He smiled and set a plate of food in front of her. "What would you like to do today?"

Tsura took a bit of the food. "Hmmm...I haven't really been able to see the area..."

"I'll show you around then."

"Thank you, Demon."

He smiled as they ate.After they were done he washed the dishes and lead her outside. "Shall we?" He asked offering his arm

Tsura nodded with a smile taking his arm.

He lead her down the street showing her around Calsax. "If you see any place that strikes your fancy let me know."

"I had seen some ruins on my way into town...what do you know about them...?" she asked.

He stiffened and then forced himself to relax. "It isn't a place I would venture to alone. Too many people have vanished exploring the ruins. They are believed to be thousands of years old. None are sure as to their origin though."

"Oh...." she said, thinking.

"I'm not saying we can't see it...but we should keep on alert and not go at night."

"Okay...how about now then?" Tsura asked.

He nodded. "Stay close to me though alright?"

Tsura nodded. "I will..."

He took her hand gently in his as they walked toward the ruins. As they reached the ruins she realized it looked to have been a castle at one time. There was a strange feel to the air around the place.

"Strange....the air....." she whispered, as she looked around the area.

he held her close and arm around her shoulder protectively. "Aye...I have often felt the heavy atmosphere some do some don't..."

Tsura nodded, looking around still at the ruins of the must have been castle.

"What do you think?"

"I think...beside these ruins feeling really strange.... I feel that these ruins must have been a very beautiful building....castle...." she said.

He looked around them. "Maybe..." He said.

"I definitely say castle...." she said with a smile.

He smiled."What should we check out next?"

---

Liam woke up with a moan he looked around and realized he was now in a room with a sleeping girl He got up rubbing his head as he tried to wake her

The girl would not wake up.

"Miss..."

No answer came to him.

He was worried as the door opened and the old king stepped through. "Ah my precious Liam. I have need of your abilities"

Liam glared at him. "I won't help you!"

"You have no choice, you are mine."

Liam backed away in anger and fear

Ruaera listened through her sleep.

The old king moved toward Liam intent on forcing him.

Liam looked around the room for a means of defense.

No... Ruaera thought, she wasn't going to let that bastard do anything to the man. She wanted her large harp, she wanted to appear on that bastards foot.

The old king grabbed Liam and slammed him into the wall. "You will use your abilities on her."

Liam growled and spat at him. "Never!"

The old king growled. "Then I will punish you." He said as he tore at Liam's clothes.

Liam looked scared and tried to get away.

Eerie music started to fill the room. The old king started to feel fearful.

he growled in anger slowing his advance but still going toward him.

Liam looked around frantically to find an escape or way to fight him off.

The music continued, giving louder as if in the room, the feeling still the same to the old king.

He growled. "If you don't do as I ask I will take it from your hide!" He said as he spun around and left slamming the door shut behind him.

Liam felt the strength in his legs leave them as he sank to the floor. He looked around trying to sort out where the music had come from.

In the corner, he saw a large harp. Thank you...for going against him.....sir.... came a female voice in his head.

He looked around and his eyes settled on the girl in the bed. I would never use my abilities like that...thank you for saving me...

"Behind you..." came the voice.

He turned and looked.

He saw the girl that lays on the bed standing right there...but still was laying on the bed. "The man is evil..."

He nodded and she noticed a look of deep sorrow in his eyes. "I know he is...how can I help you? Help us both?"

"I know not where we are...just that we rest not at the castle.... the new king is now seeking to help me... I have only just been able to do as you see me as..." said the young woman.

"New king?"

"New king or queen....same person.... yes, the one that ran the old king....that bastard to this place...."

Liam shook his head. "Oh...how long has he had you here?"

"Here?" she said, looking around. "Not long to my memory....thought I do know that five hundred years has past since I knew freedom....since my mother's murder....since he cut my eyes so I would see no more.... since I believed my father's own murder....." Her voice was sad.

"I'm sorry...he's a monster. My name is Liam...what's yours?"

"I am Ruaera," she said softly, gazing at him calmly. Liam could just see the cuts in her eyes.

"You...sorry but...can you see me?"

"I can..." she said, then she looked over at her sleeping self. "She can't..."

"I'm sorry."

She shook her head. "I have been able to learn... and I know that my father is alive...."

"Is there...anything I can do to help you?"

"I don't know.... I wish I did...." Ruaera said softly. "I have really just mastered some of my abilities....through the help of some.... higher powers...."

"We need to find a way of waking you and getting out of here."

---

Hope walked along the streets of Calsax heading to work. She was a little tired having just finished her shift as waitress. She hoped her brother was doing alright while she was gone. No matter how long she had been doing this, she always worried about him while she was away from him.

After work she headed home hoping her brother was well enough that she could spend a little time with him before bed. She stopped and picked up takeout and got groceries before heading home. She couldn't afford a car and so she walked. When she reached home she put the groceries away then paid the caretaker as the woman left. She entered Leslie's room. "How are you feeling?" She asked in concern as she set a plate of food down with his medicine and a glass of juice.

Leslie looked up at Hope with a smile. "I'm feeling okay, Hope....how was your day?"

She smiled but he could tell she was tired. "It was fine. A little busy but good. And did you play any card games or anything like that with Nancy?" (Nancy was the caretaker)

"Yes...but I don't like being let to win..." he said. "Sis...you should rest....you look tired...." Leslie looked worried.

She sighed as she hugged him gently. "I want to spend some time with you before bed. What if we play some games? I promise I won't purposely let you win."

Leslie smiled. "Alright, sis..."

She smiled as she got a game out for them to play then she ate. "We'll eat first ok?"

"Alright..."

She ate and waited till he was finished then took away the dishes. She then set up the game so they could play. "You want to go first?"

Leslie smiled. "No...you go first, sis..."

She smiled and made her move. "Your turn." She said as they played the game 'sorry'

He made his move, then waited for her.

She smiled and played a sorry card on him after several rounds had passed. She now had one of her pieces close to home.

"no you don't, sis..." he said, and he made the piece move back.

She smiled. "That wasn't nice." She said, as she moved her piece for that round.

"Sorry" he said with a mischievous grin, as he did his turn.

She smiled and laughed. "Heh...Sorry! She said as she played another sorry card.

The game went on, Leslie beating back his sis every so often.

She laughed and retaliated. Eventually she barely won. "That was a close one. Did Nancy give you a bath earlier?"

---

William stumbled through the woods. He had escaped his prison. Escaped the people claiming they held him for his safety. He hated them was glad to have escaped. He didn't know how long he had been walking. He only knew that at times it was dark, other times light. He was tired, hungry and thirsty. Half the time he had run other times he had walked. He could see a town a head and he thought perhaps it was familiar. He headed that way but passed out in the woods. His bare feet bleed from his travels. He had fallen at the base of an oak tree. Finally giving in to the darkness that had threatened to overtake him for days.

Isabel came up to the large oak, and saw him. This feeling...what is it? she thought, walking up to him. She saw his bare feet and started to bandage them up with cloth she tore from her skirt.

He moaned slightly. His blond hair was in his face and he seemed exhausted. There was evidence in his youthful face that he hadn't slept in a long time.
A faint scent lingered on him. She knew it wasn't his natural scent. But under the scent of many others lingered the scent of family. 

"Shh...it will be alright...you are safe..." Isabel said, soft and calmly. I am going to kill the ones that did this to him.... she thought.

She realized his scent was strange as though his genetics had been tampered. "M...other..." He whispered.

"You are safe..." she repeated.

"m...mother..."

"No...I am no mother.... now we need to get you someplace safer than here..." said Isabel helping him to stand using her abnormal strength.

He seemed to struggle with consciousness. "Don't...don't take me back...please..."He said as he slipped into darkness.

Isabel moved to get him on her back, and carefully started to carry him towards the house that belonged to one of her descents. He must be a descent of the McKnights as well....

She noticed something slip from his hand.

---

"The bird doesn't stay around him all the time though so we need to be careful with that" Zoran said with a sigh.

Tainn smiled up at him. "But... it could also lead us to him..."

Zoran nodded in agreement.

Tainn smiled, and walked with Zoran. She was enjoying being able to be close to him, like she dreamed. As they walked towards town, she kept an eye out for the strange bird.

She noticed what looked like Sol step from the back of a diner and hurry down an ally. His identity was confirmed when Inferno followed.

"That way..." said Tainn starting to run after Sol.

Sol ducked into an alley

"Sol!!" Tainn called out running up towards and down the alley.

Zoran chased after him along side Tainn hoping to be able to grab him who knows when they would find him again.

Sol skidded to a stop and turned to look at them. He looked surprised and a little panicked.

"Sol! Wait up...please...I'm sorry about earlier! Please... I was scared.... I just read a note from my mother.... I... she loved you....and missed you....Please Sol!!!" Tainn called out.

Zoran picked Tainn up in his arms so they could get to Sol faster as they ran together. "Please wait she just want's to know her brother!" Zoran called out as he cradled Tainn in his arms as he ran.

Sol put a hand over his face and tried to force a calm look. "You wished to speak to me?" He asked forcing calm.

Tainn got down from Zoran's arms, and walked over ot him. She wrapped her arms around him, holding on, not wanting to let go. "Sol.... I'm sorry, I ran yesterday...." she said. Sol could see that she looked four years older than she had the day before. "I was.... scared.... I had thought that if I had a sibling, mother would have told me..... but she didn't.... out loud... she wrote me a letter... and I hadn't opened it til last night.... she loved you, Sol.... she loved me.... she loved us....." Tainn had tears rolling for her eyes now. she didn't want to lose him.

He looked at her with a mixture of shock, confusion, panic, and hope. "H...how? You...younger...wait...loved? As in...past tense?"

Still holding him, Tainn said through tears, "Mother died when I was little...she was really sick.... and I don't know about the age.... it was like I slept and got older.... and my birth certificate..... is says I was born 20 years ago...."

Zoran leaned his back against a tree and watched them with his deep honey eyes letting them talk it out.

"I see...I...I'm sorry. You should leave me alone. Get as far away as you can. I always hurt those I care about. I'm sorry." He said trying to pull away reluctantly.

"But... Sol.... you didn't do anything wrong.... I.... please.... I.... don't want to lose my brother too....." she said, reaching to hold on to him.

Tears filled his eyes. He hugged her. "I...don't want to lose you too...but I can't be near you. I must keep you safe. I'm sorry." He said as he pulled away and ran.

"SOL!!! Don't leave me alone!!!!!" Tainn screamed tears in her eyes.

Zoran took after Sol and grabbed him and pinned him to the ground. "Listen to me Sol, I know I don't know you and you don't know me but that woman your sister has a huge heart open for love. She wants to know her long lost brother and with the life she has had and the life I sense you have had you too, you two need one another! Just give it a chance, you two need each other, you two need to have your family in your lives." Zoran snarled out as he held Sol pinned to the ground not letting him up.

Sol growled in frustration. Tears rolled down his cheeks. "I won't be responsible for her death! I can't, not again!" He screamed.

"My death?" cried Tainn. "I... I just found you... I found out that something is or was wrong with my age.... I....I....."

"Her death?! all you have to do is sit down and talk to her you don't have to move in! just give her a chance to know her brother and if you don't want to spend all the time in the world with her thats fine just give her your time though just give her that connection to her one other family member she has in this world!!!" Zoran snapped angerly he was holding back his need to shift to his true body.

Sol put his head in his hands and trembled. He was terrified. "I...don't know...how to let people in anymore...I...I...am scared..."

"Sol..." sobbed Tainn. "My father has and still treats me as his little girl... as if I would never grow up..... I... want you in my life... you were our mother's first child..... and she loved you.... and your father, just as she loved mine.....please Sol.... I....."

Zoran calmed down and put his hand on Sol's shoulder. "just give it a chance Sol you two need each other I can feel it in the air. you two truly need to have one another in your lives to help each other and to have that bond to keep you moving. Please Sol just try it, to get to know your sister. She just wants to know the part of her life thats been kept from her for so long" he said looking at him.

Sol slowly nodded. "A...alright...but we mustn't see each other at night..."

Tainn wiped her eyes. "Why, Sol? Please... don't be afraid to tell me... I can keep a secret...." Tainn looked at her brother with love.

Zoran put his hand on Tainn's shoulder. "Tainn don't push it, he'll tell you when he's ready." he said and looked at Sol, Zoran had a feeling it was something large in his life and Sol would tell Tainn in his own time.

Sol looked down. He wanted to tell but he was scared. "I...just please...listen to me and don't see me at night...I don't want to hurt you...and I'm afraid you wouldn't believe me even if I told you..."

Tainn just nodded. "Okay.... just promise me that you won't leave me.... I don't want to lose you after just having you in my life...."

He nodded. "Alright...I don't know how good a brother I will be though..."

Tainn shook her head. "You'll do fine.... I am sorry about before.... I... was scared.... and you didn't deserve me running out on you like that... it was just that I had thought mom would have told me about you or something...."

"It's alright...it must have been a shock..."

Zoran just stood there watching them happy that they were together.

Tainn nodded. "I really don't want to lose you, Sol... I've always wished for an older sibling or a younger one...."

"As it stands...you look like your the older sister..."Sol said with a smile trying to lighten the atmosphere a little.

"I... I... don't know how.... I.... just woke up like this..... but we found my birth certificate.... and it says I was born twenty years ago....." Tainn said.

"Its true" Zoran said standing there, he was the first to find it in truth and it had shook him to the core. It was some alien magic to him.

---

"Yes...come my lady..." Seit said, smiling.

She followed. "Seit...please just call me Seanna..."

"Alright, Seanna..." he said.

She smiled. "Seit...why did you choose Calsax?"

"I don't know.... but I'm glad that I did..." Seit walked her out of his shop, and locked up. Then started to walk with her towards Tala's.

"It just seems strange that you ended up here where allot of others came to be too."

"yea..well... it happens...." he shrugged.

She smiled and nodded. "Maybe..."

Seit looked at her. "Are you thinking I'm here in the area for a reason...?" he asked. Seit then smiled. "If that reason was that I got to help you, then I am very happy that I am here..."

She smiled. "The gods have many plans for mortals and immortals alike. I wouldn't put it past their cunning ways."

Seit smiled still, and nodded.

"How much further?"

"It just over that way..." said Seit, pointing.

She smiled and nodded. "Lead the way."

Seit lead her down the street towards Tala's shop.

They finally reached the shop.

Headed inside.

Seanna followed

---

Tala was the first to arrive at her shop she unlocked it, heading inside, the shop was going to be closed for today since she was going to have her meeting. Luckily she kept a beautiful meeting hall upstairs for occasions like this so that humans wouldn't see them or maybe accedently catch any of what they were discussing. She hopped up onto the counter and waited for the others to arrive so they could begin.

Sylvanus walked in and smiled. "Sorry for the intrusion. I was hoping to ask you for help my lady." He said with a charming smile. She instantly felt a connection to him and her heart yearned for him.

Tala blushed, she didnt remember the last time her heart pounded like this "yes sir how may I be of service?" she asked getting off of her counter and standing there in front of him unconciously smoothing out the bottom of her shirt from nerves.

He smiled. "I was hoping you could help me with telling me what you know about a girl by the name of Ruara, taken by the old 'king.'"

"Beautiful young woman with an amazing talent for music, she helped many of her father's people and many humans in life with her beautiful music. She deffinantly inherited the best of both worlds. I remember after I heard of Rasmus's wife being murdered that They spoke of Ruara being kidnapped but I had always heard rumors going around the courts that the king had taken her for himself to try to turn her against her good heart and make her follow his teachings." Tala said standing looking at him not knowing who he was. "Why is it you wish to know about Ruara if I may ask? who are you?" she asked curiously.

"My name is Sylvanos. I was told you don't follow the old king and I wish to ask for your aid. I am the new king and I seek to help the girl. She is able to travel through her dreams but unfortunately she was unable to tell me where she is being held. Will you help me put a final stop to that monster's tyranny and help her?"

She blushed at how gorgeous, noble and how sexy he looked standing there. But his Aura was what really drew her to him, an aura of great nobility and strength he could truely bring peace to their people. she could feel it in her blood. "Yes I will do what I can to help out my lord." she bowed her head to him. "I don't know how I can help but ask of anything and I will do my best to serve you" she held her hands together in front of her. Feeling as if she was nine hundred and fifty years younger and just barely stepping foot into life having her first crush all over again.

He smiled a little. "Please...don't bow. And please call me Sylvanos. I don't care for formalitiy. Actually I was hoping you may have something perhaps that may help locate her."

"I might just a sec" she went through the backdoor to her back room to her safe. she undid her spell and opened it up and began to look through all her items. She was happy to be back here away from him her heart was pounding. But he must have alot of women after him so she didnt put to much thought in the way she was feeling besides he was the new king of the fae she didnt have a chance in hell with him even if she did want to really try something with him she didnt have a chance.

Sylvanos walked around the shop deep in thought as he waited. Why do I feel this way around her?

Tala found an intricately beautifuly designed box with ancient Celtic designs. She opened it revealing a beautiful small hand held harp. "I remember this I had forgotten I even had it." she closed the box then relocked everything then walked out holding the box. "Here you are Sylvanos." she opened it revealing the harp. "Take her father Rasmus to a body of water like a lake or something and have him play this. the magic will cause an image of his daughter to appear in the water of where she really is located." she closed the box and handed it over to him. "I hope this helps you out." she said giving her head a small bow blushing not meeting his eyes with hers since her heart pounded harder every time she gazed into them.

"Thank you for your aide." He said as he took the box. "Forgive me for my forwardness..."He whispered as he tilted her chin up so he could gaze into her eyes. He slowly lowered his mouth and brushed her lips with a kiss. His kiss sent a fire of passion and excitement through her.

Tala went red across her cheeks blushing as their lips locked. But it was only for a moment before her eyes fluttered shut and she melted into him kissing him their lips locked her hands fell against his strong chest. she didnt know what had come over her she just melted into the sweet kiss with this mysterious man. she wasnt normally like this but something about this man.

He slowly wrapped her in his arms as he deepened the kiss.

"Tala, we're here...." Seit started, then saw them. "Oh...sorry..."

Tala pulled back blushing bright red. "Hi Seit sorry umm so good to see you" she said standing there out of Sylvanos's arms, she was bright red across her cheeks. She looked at Sylvanos not knowing what to say then looked at Seit. "If you would please head up the stairs to the meeting room." she said motioning to the stairs behind her. "I'll be up in just a minute." she said trying to regain her composer over the whole thing. She didnt know what to say she barely even knew the man and yet Seit had walked in on her making out with him. She hadnt even seen the princess yet not knowing she was behind Seit.

Seanna blushed at what they had walked in on and slowly followed Seit. Not sure what to say to Tala.

Sylvanos blushed a little as well. He turned and looked to Tala. "Again...sorry. Thank you for your aid..." He said as he brushed a kiss across her knuckles.

Tala gazed into his eyes as he did. "I'm glad to be of help Sylvanos, if you ever need anything else please just let me know" she said in a soft timid tone not knowing really what to say after that amazing kiss.

Seit headed up the stairs with Seanna. "That was... something..." whispered Seit to Seanna.

Seanna nodded hoping her old nursemaid had found love as she followed.

Sylvanos nodded. "Thank you. I will return...for now I will find her father once more." He said as he vanished.

Tala blushed running his fingers through his hair not knowing what to make of what just happened hoping Rainier would get there soon so they could start the meeting. She hadnt even said hi to Seanna who had grown into such a beautiful woman.

In her head she heard Sylvanos's voice telling her he would return

---

Isabel moved to get him on her back, and carefully started to carry him towards the house that belonged to one of her descents. He must be a descent of the McKnights as well....

She noticed something slip from his hand.

Carefully, Isabel bent to pick it up. She looked it over.

She noticed it was a locket with the family crest on it.

"My...crest..." She hurried to the house with him, placing him on the couch. She sat back in a chair studying him, and the paper.

He tossed and turned. She realized the locket seemed to be locked.

"Hmmm.... I wonder...." she said out loud.

William bolted awake. His eyes darted around in fright.

Isabel set the locket down on a side table, and went over to the young man. "Calm yourself, young man... you are safe here..." she said in a soft and calming voice.

'Please don't take me back...I won't go back!"

"Back where? What are you speaking of?" Isabel asked, a hand brushing aside some of his stray hairs from his face.

He slowly claimed. "I...was taken from my parents...They said it was for my own good...I don't want to go back..."

"I'm not going to send you back anywhere..." said Isabel. "What is your name, so that I can help you?"

"William...William Mcknight..."

"My name is Isabel..... Isabel Mcknight..." Isabel said calmly.

He blinked in surprise. "But...how could that be? My parents never told me about any other relative..."

"All that I can guess is that we are distant cousins..." Isabel said, her english sounding old. It's not a complete lie.... it's more like I am your distant aunt... she thought to herself.

"I...see...I...don't know where my family is anymore...I was taken away when I was eight..."He whispered looking down. It was only then that she realized he had never spoken to her out loud, he spoke to her through the mind.

"You spoke in my mind...." Isabel said slowly. "You didn't hear anything in my mind did you...? And from what I've seen in this house... this was your family's home..."

He looked down. "You're...not human are you? and this wasn't my home...my home was further from here..." He said through their mind connection.

Isabel pushed back his question. "Here," she said, picking up and showing him an image of him, but younger in the yard.

He looked at it then around the house a bit more. "It....it's changed...so much...but my parents...where are they?"

"I don't know... I really don't know...." said Isabel looking around then at William. "but you're family... so you're stuck with me, kid... we'll find answers together...." Isabel looked out the window of the house, thinking on how everything in her life has changed, she hadn't known that she was missing her family so much until she found William.

"But...who owns this house?"

"I don't know.... the last time you were here, there wasn't a large cage in the basement, was there?" Isabel asked.

"No...we used the basement for storage...and to dry plants and herbs for market."

---

The game went on, Leslie beating back his sis every so often.

She laughed and retaliated. Eventually she barely won. "That was a close one. Did Nancy give you a bath earlier?"

"Yes..." Leslie said.

She hugged him gently. "I love you Leslie. Do you want to do something else or rest?"

"Rest..." he said.

She kissed his forehead and packed the game away then tucked him in. "Love you. Sweet dreams I will talk to you in the morning. If you need anything let me know alright?"

He nodded. "Okay sis..."

"Goodnight." She said as she left after giving him his medication. Hope went to her room and showered. Then she went to bed.

Both slept peacefully.

Hope got up in the morning to check on Leslie.

Leslie was sitting in bed, reading a book.

She smiled as she handed him his breakfast tray. "Morning."

Leslie looked up. "Morning sis.... breakfast looks great...." he said with a smile.

She set his tray down and handed him his medicine."I hope it is as good as it looks."

Leslie took his medicine, and then took a bite of Hope's food. "It sure it, sis... thanks..."

She smiled happily. "I'm glad you like it. This is my day off so do you want to do something today? The doctor said you are doing well enough that I can take you outside for a few hours as long as I keep you out of the direct sun light."

"Yes please, even if we're just playing games... I want to be outside..."

"Want to go to the zoo?"

"Please..." Leslie said with a smile.

She smiled as she helped him to his wheelchair. She put up his umbrella when they got outside and took him to the zoo. They mainly went to the inside animals but she took him to the ones outside as well keeping careful watch on how long he was outside. She bought him a slushy of his favorite flavor to help cool down too.

"Thank you sis..." Leslie said. "I love when we can go out..."

She smiled happily. "Me too. I love you Leslie. Besides it's a day to celebrate...I got a raise!"

"You did? That's great Hope!" said Leslie excitedly.

She smiled happily as she took him to the gift shop. "I know. Now...I want you to choose something you want as a souvenir. I'm treating you today."

"I want that large stuffed tiger...please sis..." he said looking at her.

She bought it for him happily. She hid her inward grimace when she saw the price tag and completely banished it when she saw her brother's lit up face as she handed it over to him. "Let's head home now. I got to give you your meds when we get back ok?" She said as she hugged him

---

"I don't know.... I wish I did...." Ruaera said softly. "I have really just mastered some of my abilities....through the help of some.... higher powers...."

"We need to find a way of waking you and getting out of here."

"True love...."

"T...true love? You mean...like sleeping beauty or something?"

"yes... Liam...."

He blushed. "I...but who? I..." He wasn't sure what to do. He searched himself for an answer not sure if he was the one or someone else was intended for her.

Ruaera smiled gently at him. "Please remember your dreams.... Liam..."

Liam remember having a few dreams of a girl, that looked close to her appearance.

He blushed and went to where she slept. "Forgive me..." He whispered as he gently kissed her.

Liam saw movement behind her eyelids. "Thank you Liam," he heard her say behind him. Then he saw her once sleeping body move a bit, and a soft whisper leave her lips. "Why must I forgive you for helping me....?"

He blushed deeply. "I...I...didn't ask your permisssion..." He said as he helped her sit up.

Ruaera streched out her arms and legs. "No need to have..." she said softly, looking around the area before looking up at him. "thank you... Liam..."

He blushed and mumbled "your welcome. I...ummm...I hope I wasn't too forward with you...I...feel...something...and I dreamed of you before..."

Ruaera smiled and giggled. "I have waited for you to come, Liam...."

He blushed more. "Sorry to keep you waiting..."

"It matters not... just that everything has come..." Ruaera said, wrapping her arms aroung Liam in a hug.

He held her gently and blushed. "Now we need to find a way out..."

"I have an idea.... don't let me fall..." she said softly, then in Liam's arms she was dead weight, having put herself into a sleep.

He held her gently worried for her.

"Please be alright..."

"Liam..."

"Are you alright?"

"I am.... I'm trying to locate someone that could help..." she said. "Liam, you've been outside of this room.... I have never been able to get out there in my dreams.... what is it like? In this location.... just outside the door... where we are...."

"Cold and dark...I could hear voice as though in agony...if ever there was a hell on earth, I'm sure this would be it. There was fog swirling out there and it concealed everything. If I hadn't been thrown in here I wouldn't have realized there was a door here..."

---

"I definitely say castle...." she said with a smile.

He smiled."What should we check out next?"

"I don't know... what else do you think would be fun to see?" Tsura asked with a smile.

He smiled and guided her toward some of the mounds.
"These."

"Mounds?"

He smiled. "Yes. They are old ritual mounds the oldest has stone carvings lining the inside."

"Could I see it?" she asked.

He nodded and lead her to the largest mound. "Want to go in?"

Tsura nodded excited to be able to look around, and feel like she didn't have to run.

He lead her inside the borrow. Inside stones lines the wall maney were adorned with strange pictures and carvings some looked to be recordings of the equinoxes and the solar path.

"Wow...this is.... amazing..." tsura said, looking around at everything.

Demon smiled as he looked around. "I know."

Tsura looked at Demon. "Demon... this is so exciting...."

He smiled. "I know. They are still trying to translate the writing, rumor has it it seems to change each time..."

"Change? Changing ruin wring? THat's cool..." Tsura said.

He smiled happy at her fascinations. "I know. it's baffled many a scholar."

"I'd imagine..." Tsura said, looking around still. "I think it's just amazing and beautiful..."

"As do I. Anything else you wish to see?"

"Your bar..." Tsura giggled. "I'm hungry...."

Demon saw a young woman appear a ways behide Tsura, who then looked around the area.

Demon gently took Tsura by the hand and nodded. "Alright sounds good." He said keeping one eye on the woman as they headed toward town.

The woman disappeared.

Tsura squeezed Demon's hand smiling over at him.

He started to fix her dinner when they arrived at the bar

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Can you cut the potatoes and celery?"

---

They screamed in pain and hurried from the room.

Raya lay on the floor. He noticed evidence that she had tried to defend herself and was beaten unconscious.

Aeliat picked her up, and ran. He was scared about what was happening to her. He was scared because of what he did. He ran from the school carrying her.

He spotted one of her bandmates walking ahead of him.

Aeliat ran up, with her in his arms. "Help...her..." he said out of breath.

Ryu's eyes widened as he took her gently into his arms. "What the hell happened to her?!"

"Lunch...she didn't show...and I found these boys trying to do things....and I fought them...and burned them...and ran with her...." Aeliat said softly.

"Follow me." He said as he quickly lead him to his apartment. "Lay her on the couch. Thank you for saving her..."

Aeliat nodded, and backed away from Raya, looking down at the ground, silently.

Ryu tucked her in like a brother would.Then turned to look at him. "They didn't succeed did they?"

"I don't know... I... was at lunch... she had told me.... that she would make me lunch..... I waited... she didn't show...and then I found her.... and I.... my... I...."Aeliat still looked down, but he also looked ready to run.

"Calm down...slowly explain." He said kindly as he handed him a glass of iced tea.

Aeliat nodded, taking the drink. he began to tell all that he knew in what happened to Raya.

Ryu looked upset. "Thank you for aiding her. I don't think they had a chance to do any major harm to her thanks to your interfering."

Aeliat nodded. "I... I'm..... glad...."

"Rest here...I am sure she will want to thank you when she wakes..."

Aeliat shook his head. "I... couldn't... I..." He looked down.

"What is it? Why not?"

"I can't stay here.... those boys.... I have to leave for good...." Aeliat's head was reeling.

Ryu steadied him. "I will take care of them. You don't need to leave...if you keep running eventually you will be caught by your past and be alone. I know from experience. Besides I may need you to protect her in the future."

"Me protect her? But..."

"But nothing. You've done well protecting her...I can't while she is at school..."

Aelait nodded looking down. "She.... brings me food....at school...."

"She's a sweet girl."

Aelait nodded, looking over at her.

She moaned as she began to come too. "A...Aelait...."

---

"No..." he said, turning in her arms, wrapping his own around her. "I just buy what I want for the next day the night before...."

She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Seems kinda like a hassle to me but I understand since you live alone you do what is easiest for you" she said gazing up at him. Those gorgeous pink eyes of hers. She blushed at the way he was looking down at her she watched his gaze travel over her beauty.

"I may just have to buy enough for two from now on...." Matthew said, as he leaned down to leave a kiss on her lips.

Lamya blushed and softly kissed him back. Her heart pounding in her chest at the sweet taste of his lips, his scent filled her nose and the feel of being in his arms was so amazing.

Matthew pulled back. "Shall we...?" He asked grabbing up a basket.

"Yes lets" she took his hand in hers while she grabbed her bag that had her camera equipment in and she followed him out of his place. Being with him made her so happy and she hoped that this would be a long and happy relationship with him. It was different being with him.

"So...to the ruins...?" he asked.

"Yes to the ruins I'm excited to see them." Lamya giggled walking along with him. She looked up at him gazing at this angel in her life.

Matthew had a smile on his lips, and then her looked down at her, as they walked towards the ruins.

Lamya's eyes filled with joy looking at the Ruins. "By the gods" she whispered looking at everything. "its all so beautiful." she playfully tugged Matthew's hand to move faster to get there quicker.

Matthew nodded. "They are.... these might have been a grand castle before..."

"I can just imagine it now walking through the halls of a grand castle." she let her mind wander imagining it all.

"You in one of the native medieval gowns.....that would be breathtaking..... though you are breathtaking right now..." said Matthew.

Lamya turned red and smiled turning and looking at him the breeze playing with her long brown hair. "Aww Matthew your such a sweety" she giggled walking over to him, she got up on her tip toes and pulled him down for a gentle little kiss. He made her feel so special and she never wanted that warm feeling inside of her to go.

Matthew smiled into the kiss. "Come on, let's explore the ruins... see if we can find anything interesting...."

---

"Bye!" Nadya called with a smile.

"Bye." Elda chimed in

Nadya grabbed up her blood, and drank some. "Do you want to go to the garden now? Or later...?"

"Let's go and check it out alright?"

Nadya nodded. "Love you mommy...."

She smiled. "Love you too." She said as she walked outside onto the back porch. "Oh...Nadya it's lovely."

She smiled. "I love it... so pretty..."

Elda smiled as she walked around the garden.

"Ireland's beauty has always brought me back each time left... I fell in love with it the first time I made it here..." said Nadya.

She smiled. "It is beautiful..." She hugged her close. "And I am glad to have you back."

Nadya hugged her mother close. "And I you mother..."

"I love you sweetheart."

Nadya smiled. "I love you too mommy..."

Elda smiled as she looked around.

"Tag your it..." Nadya went running after tagging Elda.

Elda laughed and chased her, she felt truly happy for the first time in a long time.

Nadya hid behind a tree, her back resting against it.

Elda crept up and tagged her. "You're it." She said as she ran

"Ah...!" Nadya ran after her mother.

Elda laughed and then stopped and put a hand out to catch herself leaning heavily against a tree. She panted and a hand went to her stomach.Please...no...don't let me lose this one too... She trembled as tears of pain and sadness welled up in her eyes. She was terrified at the pain. She didn't want to lose her baby.

"Mother...Mother!" Nadya shouted running up to Elda. "What's wrong, Mother?"

Elda put a hand gently on her shoulder. "I...I...think...the baby..."She managed terror showing on her face despite her effort to hide it.

"We have to go to the hospital... we need help..." cried Nadya.

"G...get...T...Tala..."

Nadya helped to get her mother into the house. "Stay here, mother..." said Nadya in a very worried voice. She then raced from the house, running towards Tala's shop.

Elda held her chest hoping she wouldn't lose the baby.

---

Nemesis looked at him, eyes full of love. She place a hand on one of his that was touching her stomach. "I've always wanted children... yes I am... I love you..."

"Hotaru" he leaned over and kissed her deeply and happily loving the feel of her lips against his. He pulled back and smiled at her. "I love you to, and I feel so happy right now" he smiled lovingly then leaned down and playfully kissed her stomach. "Can I get you anything?" he asked sitting there gazing over her beauty.

She smiled at him. "No... I'm fine..." she said softly.

Rasmus smiled at her lovingly. "Alright" he got in his position behind her again with her laying back against his body this time he held his hands on her stomach. "you know you look so beautiful pregnant" he whispered in her ear as he snuggled with her.

Nemesis felt someone call for her services.

Nemesis froze. "I have to go.... I'm being called...."

Rasmus didnt like that "no Nemesis you can't go not in your condition" he said sternly. she wouldn't be able to fight at her full potential and if she and their little one got hurt it would break his heart.

"I..." she stopped when there was a growl. The white tiger, Byakko sat off by the door. "I have to go... Byakko will watch me.... I...." There was another growl. "Would you come with me, Rasmus?"

Rasmus nodded "Of course I'll come with you" he snapped his fingers and suddenly he was in the outfit he had been in the first night she had met him. "come on" he helped her up out of bed.

She got dressed, and put on her cloak, and brought up the hood. "Hood yourself...please love..."

Rasmus did as he was told bringing up his large sunken in hood, his face vanishing in the shadow of the hood.

"It's for our safety... and Rasmus," Nemesis said. "Please don't say anything.... I..." she looked down. "...I.... work jobs for all sorts of people...."

"I wont say anything Hotaru I love you with all my heart and understand" he smiled lovingly at her. "i've had to do jobs for all sorts of people." he leaned down putting his hand on her cheek and stole a soft kiss from her. "I love you and I will be mute while we're on this mission" he said looking down at her. Gently he slid his hand to her softly rounded belly. "But after this really you can't do anymore not while the baby is growing so fast" he said watching her with worried eyes.

She nodded. Looking over at the tiger, she said, "Come on, let's get going...."

Rasmus stood by her side ready to follow her to the ends of the earth if he had to.

Nemesis and Rasmus, both hooded, along with Byakko disappeared and reappeared in a large room, in front of the one that called her.

Rasmus silently stood there with his arms behind his back standing there in military fashion.

The figure was cloaked but they got a feeling of rage from him. "I want the one who goes by Sylvanos when male, and Morrigan when female, taken care of as soon as possible." He said.

Nemesis, cloaked, bowed to the figure. "As you wish," she said. When she stood up straight again, she continued, "And what of my payment, for I do not do this without such."

Rasmus had gone very still at the mention of the new ruler. He had felt great good in that man when he had met Sylvanos and now the love of his life was hired to kill him. He couldnt let her, he was the hope of their people and he knew this was her job but he just couldnt let her do it. He would speak to her later on the matter when they were away from the cloaked figure.

"What do you desire as payment?"

"What do you think this Sylvanos or Morrigan is worth dead?" Nemesis asked, she liked to see what other's ranked those they wished died.

Rasmus stayed silent curious on the conversation just listening and taking it all in.

"How about...the amulet of ages?"

"The Amulet of Ages? Really?" Nemesis asked from under the hood.

Rasmus stiffened not liking the idea of that, The Amulet of Ages was a powerful item, a very powerful item. Rasmus was at a bind right now he didnt know what to do. Sylvanos was the hope of a new Era for the Fae he was a good man nothing like the old king but now the love of his life carrying their child was being hired to kill him. Also Sylvanos said he would help him find his daughter, He didnt know if she was still alive, he prayed she was his little girl and gone for so long in his life. His heart pounding torn to peices about what to do.

The old king nodded. "Yes. The amulet of ages, a powerful relic does it seem reasonable?"

"Yes it does, very reasonable," Nemesis replied. "Anything else I need to know about this target?"

Rasmus stood there silently ready to get out of there.

"Unfortunately, other then his or her's sudden appearance into the court, bot much is known aside from the claim that he or she is the child of the Morrigan. I believe that rumor is false, but there is no denying his cunning and strength. The target also seems to enjoy games and is very tricky, always on guard and dangerous."

"I've out witted even the most cunning..." Nemesis replied. "I expect payment on my return."

He nodded agreement. "Of course. Happy hunting."

Rasmus glanced at Nemesis ready to go home, needing to go home to talk to her importantly.

Nemesis walked to her cloaked love and her companion tiger, disappearing with both of them back to their home, well Rasmus's home.

Rasmus felt someone call to him

Rasmus growled quitely to himself, he had to push that aside for now. "Hotaru we need to talk about this job." he said pulling his hood down looking at her.

Nemesis took down her hood. "What is it?"

Rasmus...I need to see you now please. Came Sylvanos' voice

Rasmus gritted his teeth. I'll talk to you in a minute I'm in the middle of something he said to Sylvanos in his mind then looked at Nemesis. "you can't accept this job I know its the amulet of ages but you can't accept it, Sylvanos is the hope for the fae's future here in this part of the world. You can't accept it besides." he balled his hands into fists. "he might know if my daughter is still alive and where she is." he said with tear filled eyes looking down at her with great worry.

"Rasmus..." whispered Nemesis placing a hand on his cheek. "I have heard the rumors of Sylvanos....I may have never been apart of any of the courts, but I was rather side with someone like Sylvanos than anyone else... and the only one I can think of that would want him death and offer the Amulet of Ages as the payment would be...." She didn't finish her sentence and waited for him.

Rasmus...I'm sorry if I am interrupting something but I have an artifact that may help locate your daughter, only you can use it because she is your blood! Shall I come to you with it?

---

"Well I have a meeting to go to with a friend of mine, so if you want you can hang out here for awhile while I'm out then afterwards I'll swing by pick you up then the two of us can go and go clothes shopping for you how does that sound?" he asked curiously.

Whisper looked down and slowly nodded. "I can't come?"

Rainier looked at him sadly, "alright you can come" he smiled at his little brother. "you can probably hang out in the shop and look at books while I'm in my meeting."

He lit up at the suggestion and beamed a bright smile. "Thank you!" He said as he threw his arms around him.

Rainier laughed and hugged his little brother back "your very welcome besides you would probably enjoy alot of the books she carries it would give you alot of fun to enjoy.

He looked down and blushed. "I...don't know how to read..."

Rainier was shocked by that. "Don't worry little brother, I'll teach you" he said with a loving brotherly smile.

Whisper smiled. "Can we go? I can look at the pictures right?"

"Of course you can I'll be back in a minute I'm going to go and change my clothes I'll be back in a minute" he said and headed off upstairs to go change.

Whisper nodded and smiled

Rainier came back downstairs in a pair of darkwash jeans with a red dress shirt while wearing his black trench coat black leather boots and his red sunglasses he loved to wear. He held a pair of boots in his hand for his little brother to wear he didnt want Whisper running around barefoot when he could step on something bad.

Whisper frowned as he saw his outfit. "You look different..." He said then looked down at his clothes and blushed. "Umm...are those shoes for me? I don't wear shoes..."

Rainier chuckled "I just changed my outfit, its something common one is supposed to do so your clothes and you don't smell. and the roads arent totally the cleanest things Whisper. I'm just trying to look out for you kiddo I don't want you to cut your foot open on a peice of glass or anything like that."

"Oh...ok..."

"Hold on one sec" Rainier walked off and came back with a pair of flipflops. "almost as good as going barefoot" he chuckled and put them on the ground. "give it a try." he said hoping that would be better for him.

He tried them on. his feet were smaller but they would have to do for the time being. "How's this?"

"I should be asking you that" he smiled "Come on we need to get going little bro" he smiled and put his hand on his brother's shoulder as the two of them headed out together.

Whisper looked around as the headed into town. Curiosity shown in his eyes and he looked like an excited child.

Rainier smiled at his little brother. "Enjoying the sights little bro?" he asked watching his brother's curiousity.

Rainier and Whisper noticed the appearance of a young woman with reddish hair in an alley. She then looked around, and started to walk with purpose towards Tala's shop.

Whisper nodded then frowned and pointed out the woman.

Rainier looked at her curiously tilting his head to the side looking at her. "I wonder" he thought to himself then looked at his watch. They would run into her anyways if she was going to Tala's bookshop. "Come on Whisper we need to go we're late" he said walking faster with his little brother towards Tala's shop.

The woman disappeared again.

Whisper followed trying to keep from losing the flip flops. They reached the shop

---

Enna entered the village in silence, her mouth pressed into a grim line as she looked about through the opening in her traveling cloak. She was well dusted and her clothes torn in several places from her long road. Enna herself was ready for a long, hot soak and a nice comfortable bed.

A young man stepped toward her cautiously. "Excuse me miss...do you need help?"

"I hear this village has quite the history, can you tell me much about it?" Enna asked, turning towards the man.

"What would you like to know about?"

"Anything and everything," Enna responded, "For instance, I hear that there have been disappearances occuring here."

"Yes...they have happened for years." He proceeded to tell her about the disappearances. "The library should be able to tell you more about the history of the area miss."

"Would you mind, then, pointing out where the library is?" She asked.

He directed her. "It's not that far."

"Thank you for your time." Enna gave a curt wave and headed off towards the library.

She reached the library.

Enna entered the library slowly, taking the time to scan the shelves as well as the occupants, as was her usual habit.

The library was filled with new and old books. There was a section dedicated to the town and the town's surroundings' history

---

Inside the shop Tala was blushing thinking about Sylvanos her heart pounding in her chest. she jumped as the doors opened, she looked up seeing Rainier and a smaller version of Rainier walk in. "Its good to see you Rainier, who is this?" she asked curiously looking at Whisper.

Rainier smiled. "Tala this is my little brother Whisper." he said with a smile.

"A little brother now? well Rainier this is new, he's cute" she smiled and went over to him.

Rainier smiled. "Whisper this is my good friend Tala"

"its nice to meet you Whisper" she smiled."

He smiled a brilliant open and happy childlike smile. "Nice to meet you Tala." He said as he hugged her.

Rainier chuckled and smiled as Tala was shocked by the sudden hug but then hugged his little brother.

Tala smiled and hugged him then pulled back.

Rainier smiled "Well before we head up to the meeting Tala would it be alright if he hung out down here and just looked at some books?" he asked curiously.

Tala nodded. "Of course it sounds great to me" she went into her back room and grabbed a chair for him. "So your comfortable" she said setting it down then went over to the door locking it and turning the open sign to closed.

Rainier put his hand on his little brother's shoulder. "now you be good down here I'll be upstairs if you need me." He said looking down at whisper.

Whisper nodded. His eyes were already scanning the books like a greedy child. "There are so many!" He said as he started to go through them. "Any with pictures?"

Tala smiled. "Yes we have lots of them" she gently lead him over to an area of photography books of so many things. "here all of these are filled to the brim with pictures of all sorts of things Whisper you just sit and enjoy" she smiled at him.

Rainier stood there and smiled, it always surprised him that Tala was never a mother she would make such a good one.

Whisper thanked her and began to flip through the book in excitement. Then he froze his gaze locked on the door. "Someone's coming...she needs help." At that moment Tala could spot Nadya racing toward the shop.

Tala looked at the door. "Oh god Nadya" she ran over to her door unlocking and opening the door.

Rainier watched worried

"Nadya whats going on?" she asked worriedly as nadya ran up to her.

Nadya ran in grabbing Tala's hand. "It's Elda.... mommy.... she needs help... it's her stomach I think.... the baby... I don't know.... please Tala, sister.... please help...." She had tears in her eyes.

Tala gasped she turned and looked at Rainier. "Go ahead upstairs with the meeting I have to go" she tossed him the keys to the shop. "I'll be back as soon as I can." and with that she picked Nadya up in her arms and took off down the street.

Rainier watched her run off with worry in his eyes then looked at his little brother. "Its going to be ok Whisper Tala can take care of herself" he said putting his hand on his little brother's head. "She'll give me a call when she's done with whatever is going on" he closed and locked the door again. "you go ahead and enjoy the books I"m going to head upstairs to my meeting alright?" he asked looking at his little brother.

Whisper looked worried but slowly nodded. "Alright..."

Seit came down the stairs. "Tala..." he called out. His eye fell on Rainier, the man from his shop.

Rainier turned and looked at him. "I'm Rainier, and I'm guessing your the man Tala asked me to help, She had a family emergency at home." he said standing there looking at the other man. "She'll be back when she can be and said to just start the meeting without her." he said watching the other man from behind his red lensed glasses.

Whisper looked up briefly at Seit, Seit thought he had once panted him with the old king. It had been an ordered commission of him next to the king in bed, both of them had been naked and he recalled the boy looked frightened.

Seit looked at Whisper. "You're that young boy... I am Seit..." he said. He then looked between Rainier and Whisper. "I used to use my real name... Erebus..."

"Your the painter" he said softly remembering him from long ago. "My mistress was a large fan of your paintings good sir" he said remembering the way his mistress the Morrigan would run her fingers across the paintings gazing at how realistic each image was. Then he eyed his brother then eyed Seit. He would talk to him later on if he knew his little brother but not right now not while Whisper was in the room. "It is an honor to meet you sir." he bowed his head to him. "I am Rainier Harding here at your service. I was told their was someone in need of my services?" he asked curiously.

Whisper looked confused. "What boy?"

"Yes..." Seit said. "Up stairs..." Rainier could see the necklace that held off the affects of fae such as Rainier. Seit started back upstairs.

Rainier turned to his brother. "Whisper stay down here and do not let anyone inside. I'll be upstairs if you need me just enjoy the books while your down here" he rubbed his little brothers head and then headed off upstairs. The one thing about that necklace was that even though it protected against the Gancanagh Rainier had been the creator of the necklace so his magic could break through no matter who wore it.

Whisper sat where he was and sighed. He was a little upset that they hadn't answered his question.

Whisper began looking at the pictures once more

"Enjoying yourself?" Came a man's voice. Whisper glanced up and screamed as he was grabbed

Ruaera appeared. "Let him go!"

A cloaked figure held him tightly. "And what will you do Ruaera?" The old king asked as he vanished with Whisper who continued to struggle.

Ruaera disappeared, thinking of the old king and the young boy.

---

Seit just continued up the stairs and then started down the hall.

Rainier put his hand on Seit's shoulder. "Before we go in there I want to ask you, how is it you know my little brother?"

Seit looked back at Rainier. "I was commissioned to paint a painting which had him in it..."

Fear filled Rainier hearing this on what it could have been he was commisioned to pain of his brother. he turned and looked back and made sure his brother wasnt hiding down the hall or stairs. "Please I ask of you not to tell my brother that you know him, when he asks you please do not tell him the truth. he is not ready for it yet" he whispered to Seit worried for his little brother.

Seit lowered his voice, and said, "If he doesn't remember it.... that's good.... I never liked being commissioned for that painting.... the monster..." Seit started to walk down the hall again.

They both heard Whisper scream

Seit looked at Rainier, then ran back down the stairs.

Rainier ran downstairs. "Whisper!" he yelled he slid to a halt when he hit the bottom stair as a smell hit his nose. The scent of the evil man, The king of the Fae. He remembered many a time when he escorted Morrigan to the masked balls and meeting the king mask to mask. He didnt see his little brother. "No that dirty bastard!" he slammed his fist into a table breaking it to peices.

Seit looked around. "There are three scents... your brother.... the old king... and her...."

Seanna came to the base of the stairs looking worried. Rainier felt drawn to the red haired beauty. "What's happened? Was someone hurt?!"

Seit looked at Seanna. "The old king was here....."

Rainier pulled his eyes from her then picked his hand up from the splinters, blood dripped down his hand. "that bastard" he growled out knowing it was his fault. the mark on his shoulder was how the king found his little brother. "I'm a horrible big brother." he whispered.

Seit shook his head.

Seanna looked at them with wide eyes before hurrying over to Rainer and healing his hand after cleaning the wound. "We will find him...I know where he probably took him...it's a place he tends to keep his favorite captives...he kept me there too."

Seit looked at Seanna. "Seanna, there were three scents here.... that bastards... his brother's.... and that girl from my shop that you had been talking to when I had gotten back last night...."

Rainier took his hand from her and looked away. He wouldnt let the dark king have anything to do with her. His heart was pounding for the woman before him but he would not give in. Especially not with that mark on his flesh of the bastard king. "I must go I will have Tala deliver a book to you of lessons that will help you learn how to use your powers" Rainier said glancing at Seanna out of the corner of his eye. His heart pounded. He was thinking it was just the male Ganacagh that he was lusting for the only female in existance. "Farewell" he turned and left the shop in a hurry. Walking down the street to his home tears filled his eyes. "I'm so sorry little brother I was unable to protect you"

Seanna was silent and then she looked to the stairs and rushed up stairs. I don't want to go back there...but I am going to helpShe thought as she vanished.

Seit looked back and forth. "Shit!" He raced from the shop looking for Tala. "TALA!!"

Tala came around the corner heading to her shop and saw Seit in a panic. "Oh no" she ran over to him. "What happened Seit?!" she asked scared on the answer.

"The bastard... the old king.... he took Whisper..... Rainier run off and so has Seanna...... and another girl....." he describes the young woman she had talked to briefly "was in the room too.... I don't know if he took her too or not...."

---

"As it stands...you look like your the older sister..."Sol said with a smile trying to lighten the atmosphere a little.

"I... I... don't know how.... I.... just woke up like this..... but we found my birth certificate.... and it says I was born twenty years ago....." Tainn said.

"Its true" Zoran said standing there, he was the first to find it in truth and it had shook him to the core. It was some alien magic to him.

He frowned. "They're here then..."He whispered, hopping they hadn't heard. "Oh...I'm not sure how old I am..."

Zoran looked at them curiously.

"Who's here?" asked Tainn.

Sol closed his eyes tightly. "You'll think I'm nuts..."

"No I wouldn't.... I'd never think that..."

"Sol we really wouldnt I promise you that" he said having a feeling it was something to do with the Fae.

"D...do you believe....in fae?"

Tainn pointed at Zoran. "I think I kind of have to, Sol...." she said with a smile.

Zoran stood up and his body suddenly shifted over to his fae form. "Zoran Nidhogg at your service" he said looking down at sol being alot taller then him in this form.

Sol's eyes widened and he started to hyperventilate. He brought his leg up striking at Zoran's chest. "I won't go with you! I won't go back there!" He quickly grabbed his sister's hand and ran.

"Sol!" cried out Tainn as Sol pulled her behind him, running. "What's going on? Z's my friend... he works on our ranch....has for years.... I love him..." Tainn tried to run as fast as Sol was.

Zoran growled and ran with great speed. He rushed past them and slid infront of them blocking Sol's way. "What might I ask are you doing?" he growled out. "Let me guess bad experience with the fae and now you think all fae are like that. Dude really I'm not like the others I love your baby sister she means alot to me and I've worked for your family for years." he said standing there looking at him.

Sol panted not sure what to say or do. "I...." His eyes widened in horror as he gazed at the sky. A storm was brewing. "I...have to go!" He said gently releasing her hand and running, both out of fear and necessity. An eclipse? Why now?! Can I trust him?

Tainn looked at Zoran, worried, and then ran after Sol. "Sol! Sol!"

Zoran caught Tainn around the waist before she could run off. "Tainn this is one of those moments you need to trust him and give him his space." he said in a serious tone that held great knowledge behind it. "He's your brother and he will be back I can feel it but you need to give him the space he needs when the times ask for it" he said watching her with those intense slit golden eyes of his fae form.

Tainn looked down, and nodded. "I..."

Zoran gently pulled her against him "Lets go home before this rain hits" he said and leaned down kissing her softly then placed his hand on the small of her back leading her off in the direction of the ranch.

Tainn had kissed back, and then sighed as they worked. "Z... how will we find him again...." she asked as they walked.

Zoran rubbed her back as his body turned back to his human form. "He's your brother and knows you love and wish to know him. He'll find you, most likely he'll wait when I'm not around to talk to you again"

"What happened to him? Why do I now look older than him...? It's like his aging is slowed....."

Zoran let out a long sigh. "Tainn their is something you need to know of fae magic. I know your brother is a half fae but being part mortal he was effected by the magics of the fae mounds. The magic it slows down aging to almost nothing when someone of mortal blood crosses the threshold into our realms. Your brothers aging is slow already since he is half fae but being taken to a Fae's realm it slowed down to nothing I am guessing. But it is that magic is the reason that I will never take you to my home." Zoran lived in his own Faerie mound far outside of Calsax. being of such great power it was easy for himself to do so. Even though it looked to be nothing but a cabin built into the side of a large hill. in that hill was a realm all its own. Zoran's other home.

Tainn nodded, looking down. I wonder what happened to his father... she thought to herself.

Zoran walked along with her, he looked down at her as she was deep in thought. Suddenly he leaned down and stole a quick deep kiss from her. "You ok?" he asked as he pulled his lips back.

"I was just wondering what happened to Sol's father.... I know mother loved him and my father...I love my father, but...it would be nice to know the man who actually could have been mine....." Tainn said looking up at him.

"Unless I know what his father's name was I cannot tell you my love because their is so many fae I know and knew of. So when he is ready to tell you the name of his father tell me and I will see what I can remember or find out for you" he said as he hopped up with ease and began to walk across the top of a fence they were walking with as if it was nothing.

"You are just amazing..." Tainn said, smiling.

"Why do you say that? I just know alot a people is all" he said with a smile looking down at her.

"Yes that..... but also what you are doing right now..." she giggled.

Zoran laughed hearing her say that. "I'm not that amazing really its just balance and focus being a warrior does that to you" He chuckled gazing down at her not even paying attention to his feet yet she watched as he had perfect balance as he walked along the wooden fence.

Tainn smiled, then grabbed the fence behind him, pulling herself up. She slowly stood up, holding her hands out slightly.

Zoran turned around on the fence so he was facing her. "Your very cute." gently he took her hands in his. "Now the way alot of people fall is that focus to much on one foot in front of the other. With your feet just think of where they are landing next and make sure you place them flat on the wood of the fence" he walked backwards on the fence as if it was nothing as he lead her step by step. "Slowly thats it your getting it" he smiled lovingly as she walked each step.

Tainn smiled. "I want to learn more about you..... your life.... what's out there....could you teach me some of the things you know...." Her foot slipped. "Ahh..."

Zoran had her in the blink of an eye, before she realized it they were on the ground and he held her in his arms in the air while he stood there on the ground. "I will teach you anything you wish my love. My life though their are many things in my life, dark shadows you could call them that I don't want you to know about Tainn." he said in a serious tone as he set her gently on the ground infront of him while holding his arms around her waist now. "But anything other then that I'm more then willing to teach you" he said lovingly.

"The good parts..." Tainn said. "And....I want to learn what we were doing.... I want to be a warrior...and thanks for catching me..."

"I'll always catch you Tainn." He smiled and leaned down kissing her softly then pulled back. "And you want to be a warrior huh? well now this is going to be hard, it takes years to be a warrior and I don't think that your father would be to happy with that." he said as he turned them and began to walk back to the house with her. "Besides all the training equipment I normally use is in my home which I can't take her into"

"Oh...." she said, looking down. "Okay..." Her hands folded, messing with a ring.

"Oh Tainn now I've made you sad" he got depressed that he had made her so sad.

Zoran noticed that Tainn was wearing a ring that had the old royal family's crest on it. The evil kings family crest, but not the symbol of the old evil king's rule.

"I was just thinking that you could just teach me some..... I understand that I could never be as great a warrior as you," she said looking up at him, no tears in her eyes. She then hugged him. "I love you...."

Zoran's heart went in his throat for a moment it felt like seeing that Crest. He could think of the three choices that meant if that ring had belonged to Sol's father. Either the evil kings father, the evil king before he turned to the darkness or the unspoken brother. "I can teach you a few things, to protect yourself when you asked if I would I thought you meant intense warrior training like I do" he smiled and gave her a little kiss. "I love you to my gorgeous Tainn" he said lovingly.

"I don't think that I could have gone through intense fae warrior training..... unless I somehow live as long as you....." Tainn giggled.

"Dont say that" he looked up as if getting paranoid by something. "Words are a powerful thing and you never know who is listening." Now he was going to be extra careful not to let her come to his place.

Tainn nodded, slightly confused but knowing that Zoran was being serious.

"Sorry I know I'm weirding you out but just trust me" he rubbed his arms that had formed goosebumps on them remembering when he had badmouthed a god and was chained and had almost gone completely insane after he had been locked up in the same place for a few hundred years.

"I do trust you, Z.... I haven't not....." Tainn said. They could see the main ranch house off ahead a ways.

Zoran kissed the top of her head. "I know sweety I know" he wrapped his arm around her shoulders again as they walked off together. His life was shrouded in so much mystery to her. She didnt even know how old he was.

"Z...when were you born?"

Zoran froze for a moment hearing that question. "Wow well let me think about that one, I'm a fourth generation higher breed, I was around when the continent of magic still floated on the surface of the ocean." he did a couple of calculations in his head trying to think of how long ago was the first true ancient human civilizations. "Sorry when your as old as I am age becomes kind of a blur." he said to her.

Tainn nodded. "I was just curious," she said smiling.

"I'm about two thousand years older then then Sumeria and the first human civilizations" he said looking down at her as they walked. "I was born on the Continent of Magic before the war of the gods tore it into the sea. then My people and I we just found our way making homes across the rest of the world." he said as if it was nothing but shocking her with his age.

"Wow...."

Zora knew it freaked her out and she was most likely thinking about how she would age and he would not. That thought made his heart ache knowing that he would loose the woman he loved so much.

Tainn leaned against him, hugging his arm. "You have seen so much....that's amazing...."

"Yes that is one thing about immortal life, it is a gift because you can see and experience so much, watch a world shift and change before your eyes. But it is a curse because those you love" he looked down at her. "that are mortal" he looked away "you see them age before your eyes before you loose them" he whispered softly remembering the past.

Tainn looked down. "I...."

"I'm sorry I shouldnt have said that" he said softly feeling like a bastard for bringing that up

"We'll be happy together, Z... We'll have a long and wonderful life...." Tainn said looking up at him.

"Yes I'll make every day filled with joy for us in any way that I can" he leaned down and pulled her against him before he kissed her softly.

Tainn kissed back. "I love you...."

"I love you to" He smiled down at her as he held her hand in his as they headed off back to the ranch suddenly his stomach growled and he chuckled. "Lunch time already it seems" he laughed.

*click*

Tainn froze, cautiously looking towards the sound.

She didn't spot it but the sound repeated.

"What the hell?" Zoran's muscles were tense ready for battle he called his dragon dagger to his hand ready for anything.

"Who's there?" Tainn called out.

"Fae."

"Their are lots of Fae, who are you" Zoran said darkly as his body shifted over to his Fae form and he let his vision sharpen to find the person.

Tainn stepped closer to Zoran, looking around.

They were surrounded. "No...you're fae." And soon several darts flew from around the surrounding area all aimed toward Zoran.

"Die fae!"

"No!!!!!" screamed Tainn, hugging on to Zoran.

Zoran grabbed her and ran away from the ranch. They wouldnt be safe there. He held her tight against him as he carried her. "damn it I thought I lost the hunters a long time ago" he snarled at himself as he looked down at Tainn trembling in his arms as he ran. "Tainn your not safe with me any longer." he said to her as he ran into the woods to wrap his way around to the town and hopefully loose the hunters on the way. "I'm going to take you to my friend Tala. She can take care of you until your father gets home. They probably think I beguiled you so they will not harm you Tainn." he said holding her close. His heart was aching but with the hunters on him if he didnt leave her she would end up dead just so he would suffer. He couldnt do that to her. She had just found her brother and her father still needed her.

---

"yes lets" she smiled up at him ready to explore. She was brimming with energy.

Matthew walked around the area with her, looking at everything.

"Wow I wonder what this was like in its prime? walking the gardens, dancing within the ball room" she let out a long sigh dreaming of it all. She had always been a sucker for romance stories.

A wind swirled around her and she had a flash of a vision. A young man, she couldn't see his face, ran down a flight of stairs battle raging around him, he screamed someone's name but an attacker heard him and attacked. The last thing she saw as the vision faded was red blood staining the floor

"....Lamya.... Lamya.... did you hear me?" Matthew asked.

Lamya shook her head snapping into reality. "What what happened?" she asked as her world came back to her and the vision faded.

"I don't know... I was talking to you, and you had spaced out..." he said. "Are you okay?"

"I saw an image of a battle, of a man running people screaming" she put her hand on her head and sat down her head hurting.

"Has that even happened before?" Matthew asked.

"No thats never happened before at all" she said rubbing her head.

"Strange..." Matthew said. "Earlier, I had actually gotten a letter from someone yesterday talking about someone that seemed to be two people..."

"I had heard strange things about Calsax but I had thought them nothing but Rumors" she said putting her head between her legs since she was dizzy.

Matthew slowly rubbed her back.

Lamya looked up and smiled at him then leaned over snuggling in his arms. "I'll be alright just let me stay snuggled up to you for a bit then we can continue exploring" she smiled up at him.

"Alright, Lamya...." he said, holding her.

Lamya sat there thinking of that vision wondering what it was about, what was the story behind these ancient ruins.

She couldn't figure it out.

Matthew gently squeezed her.

Lamya looked up at him and smiled softly. "your so sweet to me" she said softly and gently pulled him down softly kissing him.

Matthew kissed.

Lamya moved against his body kissing him more, his body was so warm and his lips tasted so wonderful.

Matthew held her close, but pulled from the kiss. "You are so wonderful to me..."

Lamya had a feeling he was going to pull from the kiss like that. she snuggled against him. "I should be the one saying your so wonderful to me I feel like my wounds in my heart can finally start healing now" she said softly as she snuggled against his chest.

Matthew nodded, holding her.

Lamya snuggled against him happily she loved how sweet he was but she wanted a bit more she wanted him to take charge maybe just grab her and kiss her just because he thought she looked beautiful she hungered for something like that with him but she knew that was just in her romance novels she read way to many of them and hungered for a romance like that.

Matthew titled her head up. "I love you...." He kissed her passionately.

Lamya gasped then sighed softly melting into the kiss with him. Her ex never kissed her like this with such passion that she shivered with excitement knowing that he truely did love her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed him back bringing her body against his.

Matthew layed a hand on the back of her head, holding her to him as he kissed her more passionately, his other hand on her lower back hugging her close.

Lamya didnt know what had gotten into hm but she loved it. Her body felt on fire from the passion awakening inside of her.

Matthew slowly pulled back, looking down in her eyes. "I love you so much, Lamya...." he said softly, smiling down at her.

"I love you so much as well Matthew" Lamya sighed happily snuggling against his strong chest. Suddenly feeling mischevious she pushed him down on the grass underneith them and strattled his waist. "your cute you know that" she said playfully as she had her hands on his shoulders holding him down.

"Oh you are much cuter..." he said playfully, trying to flip her.

She squeeled when suddenly he got the leverage and flipped her on her back under him. Giggling she laid there under him. "Nooo I still think your way cuter then I am" she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck while she laid there under him.

"I may be cute...." he said, pecking her lips with a kiss, then nuzzling her neck. He whispered into her ear, "But you are a beauty beyond words..."

Lamya shivered and gave a soft sigh from how good that felt. "Matthew your so sweet" she said adorably laying there. "Your so handsome its like gazing at an angel." she nuzzled him back and laid soft kisses on his neck.

"An angel...? Really..." he said nuzzling her, kissing her behind her ear.

Lamya shivered from how good that felt she slid her hands under his shirt over the muscules of his back. "yes my own gaurdian angel" she said in a soft yet seductive voice before kissing his neck again.

"I'm glad that you think that...." he whispered against her ear.

Lamya shivered softly before moving so she was face to face with him. "your so handsome" she whispered before bringing her lips to his kissing him deeply sliding one hand in his hair as they made out.

Matthew kissed back, loving the feeling of her against him.

Lamya giggled and rolled him over onto his back as they kept making out loving the feeling of being with him like this. She pulled back. "I love you so much" she said playfully as she gently twirled her hair gently with her right index finger.

Matthew smiled up at her, then a flash went into Lamya's eyes.

Lamya blinked and rubbed her eyes "What was that?" she said blinking to get the remnant of the flash out of her eyes.

Matthew smiled. "The perfect picture..."

Lamya opened her eyes and saw he was holding the camera. "Oh you tricky tricky man you" she said playfully and gently took the camera from his hand and flipped it over to see the picture.

The picture was wonderful.

"Oh wow Matthew we look so good together in this" she said smiling happily. "If I actually lived in my own place I would get this printed and framed and hang it on the wall" she said playfully running her fingers over his shoulder.

"I can offer you my bed..... I.... could set on the couch...."

"Oh no I dont want to put you out of your bed I'm fine staying at the Hotel." she said getting off of him and sitting there next to him.

"You wouldn't be putting me out...."

"Its your bed though, if I agreed to stay I would say that I would be the one to sleep on the couch no ifs, ands or buts, about it." she said looking at him.

"I want you to be comfortable, Lamya..."

Lamya smiled at him lovingly as she sat on his lap again. "your so good to me, But I promise I'll be fine at the hotel, really I dont' want to invade your home. Not just yet anyways" she winked playfully.

"Oh.... but the money....?"

"I'll figure something out I'll be alright for awhile" she said looking down at her hands in her lap thinking about it. He didnt like the thought of any chance of her being thrown out on the streets again.

"Please... come stay at my place... I know it isn't much....but.... I don't want anything to happen to you..." Matthew said, pulling her into a hug.

Lamya blushed. "Matthew" she said lovingly. "your really worried about me arent you?" she asked softly gazing into his eyes.

"Yes," Matthew said. "I am...."

"Oh Matthew" she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply and happily.

"Aww how touching."

Matthew spun to face the voice, holding Lamya.

A cloaked figure stood there they could see the lower portion of the figures face, turned up in a cruel grin.

"Matthew I'm scared" she clung to him terrified.

"Who are you? What do you want?!" Matthew said, still holding Lamya.

"I want the girl."

Lamya got off of Matthew and backed away. "I wont go with you no matter what you say" tears of fear filled her eyes. She was cursed she truly was, she found happiness in this man and here it was being pulled from her once more.

"You can't have Lamya!" Matthew shouted. He grabbed Lamya's wrist, and ran.

The sound of pursuit followed

Matthew ran with her, running towards the town.

Lamya held his hand tight and ran as fast as he legs would take her. "I'm sorry its all my fault I'm nothing but a curse" she cried as they ran.

---

"I don't know.... the last time you were here, there wasn't a large cage in the basement, was there?" Isabel asked.

"No...we used the basement for storage...and to dry plants and herbs for market."

"Well, who ever is here now, has a cage down there..." said Isabel.

He shivered. "Why?"

"I don't know... I really don't know..."

William shivered a little. "Can we...get something to eat?"

Isabel nodded. "What do you feel like eating? Over the years, I have become a pretty good cook..."

"I...don't know...I haven't eaten normal food in so long..."

"Alright... then I'll make you a favorite of mine growing up...an old family receipe...." she said, giving him a small smile. "Do you wish to sit in here and wait.... or would you like to join me in the kitchen...?"

"In the kitchen please..."

The door opened and a young man hurried in he skidded to a stop when he saw them. "Get out of my house!" He looked a little panicked.

Isabel stood up and faced him. "No, I will not. This house belongs to the McKnights..." Her voice was serious. She may not have her family castle, but a home was a home, and this was William's home.

Sol panted feeling the eclipse' effects. "I am a McKnight...leave please..." He panted as he hurried toward the basement.

William looked confused, he wasn't sure what to do.

"William," Isabel said, looking back at him. "You remember how I said I'd protect you.....stay here, please... I will be back, and I will make that wonderful meal I promised you...." Isabel ran from the room. When she was out of William's sight, Isabel melted into the shadows, moving through there to where this other 'McKnight' was going.

He had locked himself into the cage and was slowly changing into a beast.

Isabel just closed the door to the basement after coming out of the shadows. She walked down the stairs just watching him, with no fear in her eyes. Knowing now what the cage was for.

Sol screamed in pain as he fully was transformed. He growled and launched at the bars snarling at her. She could tell he was no longer in control of himself.

"This is why you wished us to leave.... McKnight...." Isabel said, walked towards the cage, crossing her arms, just watching him.

He snarled and attacked the cage as though trying to break through.

Isabel shook her head, then slowly started to raise her arms up to her waist level. Shadows began to raise around him.

He snarled in more anger and snapped at the shadows

Isabel made the shadows go away. "I'm not human... and neither are you, nor William up stairs... what is it about my family...." she whispered.

He growled and snarled. Eventually the eclipse passed and he turned back to being human he was unconcious and looked a little pale and fatigued.

Isabel sighed. Using her shadows, Isabel got a glass of water and slipped into the cage through the shadows. She patted the young man's cheek.

He moaned and coughed up blood. Each transformation tore at his insides more then the last.

Isabel took his head, and feed him the water from the glass by tipping it at his moan. "Drink..."

He coughed but did so too weak to argue.

"There you go.... drink it all..." she said, still feeding him the drink.

His eyes flickered open and he began to spit out the drink. "P...poison!"

Isabel just looked at him. "Why would I poison someone that holds the name of a McKnight? The McKnights are my family... I would never harm a McKnight... plus that was just water...."

He slowly relaxed a little. "Why...didn't you leave...now you know I am a monster..."He said covering his face.

"Says the McKnight talking to a McKnight that most likely has a grave tomb at the family castle.... that dates back to the 13th....14th century...."

"What?"

"I'm older than I look...."

"Vampire?"

Isabel nodded. "Yes...." she said softly.

"I...am more a monster then what people call vampires...I...have no control."

"I left my family home...because of what they thought...."

---

Enna glanced skyward and took in an awed breath, "Amazing." She murmured about the eclipse.

"Don't stare directly at it, could hurt your eyes." an old woman muttered.

"Oh?" Enna glanced down and adjusted the bookload in her arms.

The woman smiled. "Didn't you know that?"

"Never heard it before." She shook her head then glanced at the woman with a small smile, "My name's Enna by the way, and I'm going to be here for a while... unraveling this town's mysteries. So, if you've got any stories or information that can aid me, I'd be more than grateful."

A tall man with long black hair came walking in their direction. "Would you like any help, miss?"

"Ah, hello, I am simply seeking answers. I'm here to help with this town's uncanny ability to lose its inhabitants." Enna responded, tucking a crimson strand behind her head, "Do you have any information that could be of help to my investigations?"

---

"Rasmus..." whispered Nemesis placing a hand on his cheek. "I have heard the rumors of Sylvanos....I may have never been apart of any of the courts, but I was rather side with someone like Sylvanos than anyone else... and the only one I can think of that would want him death and offer the Amulet of Ages as the payment would be...." She didn't finish her sentence and waited for him.

Rasmus...I'm sorry if I am interrupting something but I have an artifact that may help locate your daughter, only you can use it because she is your blood! Shall I come to you with it?

please Sylvanos just give me a few minutes and then I will come to you. "I know who it is I had a feeling as soon as I heard that bastards voice that its the old bastard of a king that man who ripped my life to shreds." He whispered "So you mean it you will not go after Sylvanos?" he asked wanting to be sure of her intentions

I will wait then... Sylvanos replied.

"Yes... I now just want to find him just to play a little pretend..." she said cutely.

Rasmus smiled down at her. "I love you so much" he whispered kissing her softly. "I have to go meet him now you can come if you would like" he said gently sliding his hand over her swollen belly.

Nemesis nodded. "Yes..." she said, pulling her hood up.

Rasmus nodded and took her hand in his. "Alright." I'm coming Sylvanos, and I'm bringing the woman I've fallen in love with with me she needs to speak to you anyways. Where can we meet you?

He told him where.

Nemesis squeezed Rasmus's hand in support.

Rasmus held her hand tightly and warped them to where Sylvanos waited.

He waited near a clear pool of water. "Rasmus...I have something for you that may help us find your daughter." He said as he presented the mirror to him and gave him the instructions on what to do with it. He didn't look surprised about Nemesis' presence.

"Sylvanos, I assume...." Nemesis said. The white tiger just watch them.

"Sylvanos thank you for the Item, I Pray to the heavens it works in finding my daughter, I would like to introduce you to my lover Nemesis" he said motioning to her nex to him. " Nemesis this is the new king of the fae of this territory Sylvanos."

Sylvanos bowed his head to her in respect. "A pleasure. I hope it works as well...but you have Tala to thank for it."

Nemesis smiled and nodded to Sylvanos. "I do too, for my love needs his family..."

Rasmus bowed. "Thank you and I will be sure to thank her as well she is a great wonder to this world and we are lucky that the Dark king wasnt able to break her" he said remembering all those nights when the old king would court Tala trying to make her his and the many times she had been thrown in the dungeon for refusing him. but those moments came and went between the lovers he took in court.

"She is very strong and my mother watched over her." He said mysteriously.

Nemesis just looked at the new king of this fae court. "You know? With you as the king or queen, which ever.... of this court... I may just see my self actually calling loyalty to a court.... but maybe after I deal with my latest assignment...."

"And what assignment would that be?" He asked as though amused by something

"Your death." she said simply.

He looked amused. "And how are you planning on achieving that?"

"Faking it..." she said with a smile.

Rasmus looked at the two of them. Their was something more to this conversation they understood each other on another level that Rasmus couldnt understand.

Nemesis looked at Rasmus. "Rasmus?"

Rasmus looked down at her, "Yes my love?" he asked curiously.

"Would you help?" she asked.

"How do you suggest we fake it?" He asked still amused.

"I was thinking bloody knife...but that is up to you...plus it doesn't have to be your blood..."

"Probably would be best if it is...but I don't like the idea of him having my blood. He has some nasty spells he could use if he found out I still lived. Think of something else."

Nemsis thought about it.

"Blood is a very dangerous weapon in this world as he said, anything that is a peice of ones body is dangerous if the other party can get ahold of it." Rasmus thought about it as he stood there "the best thing I can think of a the spell of Hidden souls. Its a spell where you turn someone to look like your doppleganger pretty much even in death. Its a powerful spell but it would fool the dark king and getting ahold of the body he wouldnt be able to use anything against you Sylvanos."

"I agree..." said Nemesis.

"The problem is acquiring a body. And I don't like the idea of defiling a body, the dead are sacred even if it is to preserve a life."

Nemesis smirked. "I have a body...."

Rasmus cocked an eyebrow hearing that from her. "you do?" he asked

"What body?"

Nemesis smiled. "I have to have some way of releaving stress some times...." she said. She then looked at her companion, the white tiger. "Byakko... could you...."

The white tiger disappeared in a whirl of wind, and then reappeared with an unmoving body.

"He murdered my first love...the day before our wedding...." she said slowly.

Sylvanos frowned. "I don't approve of desecrating a body but if he murdered your love without provable cause then I believe we have our candidate."

Nemesis nodded.

Rasmus nodded as well. "I deffinantly agree with that as well and the sooner we do this the better."

Nemesis just laughed a bit. "I have always taken my time on my assignments..."

"He would get suspicious if you took time. I'm not trying to stroke my ego but if you had a chance to face me face to face you would be dead, he knows the best chance someone would have at killing me would be an assassin style killing when my guard is down."

Nemesis smirked. "Sir.... I am an assassin.... and my first was the assassin right here that killed my love....."

"And your point? If you take awhile he will suspect you."

"Then..." Nemesis said, and muttersomething under her breath. The man's body shifted to look like the new kings's. "You die now..." Nemesis then did an assassin's killing blow.

Sylvanos Looked over the handy work. "Not a bad copy." He said.
((Sorry I guess I misread it earlier)) (( ^_^ ))

"Thanks..." she said.

"We should get the body to him soon before he suspects anything" he said worriedly looking at Nemesis.

---

"She's a sweet girl."

Aelait nodded, looking over at her.

She moaned as she began to come too. "A...Aelait...."

Aeliat looked over at Raya. "...Raya...?"

"Wh...yo....you...saved me..."

Aeliat nodded. "Ah huh..."

"T...thank you! I tried to fight them off...but...I blacked out, I don't know what happened...I think one hit me."

Aeliat nodded. "I'm sorry...."

She carefully shook her head. "No...without you who knows what would have happened. Thank you."

"....I hurt them......" he said softly.

"They would have hurt her or you." Ryu said.

"I burned them...." he whispered.

She carefully went over to him and hugged him. "But you saved me...how did you burn them?"

Aeliat looked away from her, not really knowing why she was hugging him, and shook his head. "I don't want to hurt you.... I'll just hurt you...."

She shook her head. "You saved me. You're not going to hurt me."

"I hurt everyone that's close to me....." he said softly.

"I don't believe that..."

"My flames...."

"I will help teach you to control them." Ryu said.

"You don't know anything about me...... or what I've been through......" 

"We haven't been withought troubles and I believe you deserve some help, especially after you saving my sister."

Aeliat nodded, looking down.

"Are you hungry?"

Aeliat's stomach growled, he blushed.

Raya smiled and went to the kitchen, soon the delicious aroma of cooking reached them.

"How many times have you relocated due to...your condition?" Ryu asked

Aeliat looked at Ryu. "I don't move only because of it....I move more to hide from them....." he said softly.

"As do we."

Aeliat shook his head. "You wouldn't know who my They are...." he said softly.

"Tell me then."

"You wouldn't believe me either...." Aeliat looked down.

"Try me and then I will tell my story."

"I was held by the fae.....taken from my family years ago.... born a mage with fire manipulation that just became out of control because of living with the fae....."

"I am sorry. Raya and I are vampires...she was born one from two human parents...not sure how, I was born of vampires. My mother abandoned me for being 'too soft, toward humans, I refused to kill when I fed... My father was killed when I was seven and after I gave in to my hunger and fed off of my guardians' cat they caste me out thinking I was a freak. I was on my own for years until I was taken in by my band mates. We have formed a close family and most of us have a story to tell. In fact Ryan, our drummer, he was held by the fae too. He's told us how horrible it can be. Want to be in our family?"

"Family??? Me...?"

He smiled and nodded. "If it hadn't been for them...I don't think I would have made it."

"I can't go back....."

"Can't go back where? The fae? Hell no you can't, and if you join the family we stick together."

Aeliat nodded.

---

He started to fix her dinner when they arrived at the bar

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Can you cut the potatoes and celery?"

Tsura smiled and did as he said.

"Add them to the broth once you're done." He said as he began to chop carrots and onions.

"Alright, Demon," she said. When she finished, she added them.

After awhile the smell of a fresh chicken stew filled the air. "Smells good."

"Mmmmm it does....I can't wait to taste it..." said Tsura smiling big.

He smiled. When the stew was done he poured her a bowl then a bowl for himself.

Tsura took the bowl, and sat down at a table. "Mmmm smells so good..." she said with a smile. She took a bite. "Yummm...."

"Like it?"

"Absolutely," Tsura said smiling at Demon.

"I'm glad, it's an old family recipe."

"A very good old family recipe..." she said.

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it. It's a little modified due to the change in times but it is fairly close to the original."

"Change is good...." she replied smiling back.

He smiled. "Sometimes."

"Oh..."

"What?"

"I'm just agreeing with you.....that's all...." Tsura said looking at Demon.

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Will you be alright here for a little while? I have an errand to run."

"I think so.... your bar doesn't open for a bit right?"

"Not until the evening. I will be back. " He handed her a cell phone. "Mine is on speed dial it's the first number. I will be back." He said as he kissed her gently.

She kissed back. "Alright..."

He left and she was alone.

Tsura decided to surprise Demon, so she started to clean up the bar some more, so that it would look like it was just openning the bar for the first time.

She noticed movement out of the corner of her eye.

Tsura turned to look to where she had seen the movement. "Hello?" she asked cautiously.

A young man with blackish/blue hair and a dark aura walked toward her. Though he had a dark aura she somehow felt safe around him. "You aren't safe with Demon."

Tsura subconsciencely took a step back. "Wh...wha...what do you mean...?" she stummered.

The man walked toward her and she felt drawn to him. "Demon is not a good person."

"I...he has not done anything wrong......" she said softly.

"That you have noticed. He harmed a young boy earlier this day."

"W....what...?" she said, confused. "But he hasn't left til now....."

((I meant last night...))

((She doesn't know that))

"Last night he did."

"What? Who are you? Why...should...."

---

"I am.... I'm trying to locate someone that could help..." she said. "Liam, you've been outside of this room.... I have never been able to get out there in my dreams.... what is it like? In this location.... just outside the door... where we are...."

"Cold and dark...I could hear voice as though in agony...if ever there was a hell on earth, I'm sure this would be it. There was fog swirling out there and it concealed everything. If I hadn't been thrown in here I wouldn't have realized there was a door here..."

Ruaera sighed. "Let me try again....catch me..." Ruaera collapsed into his arms.

He caught her and gently carried her over to the bed cradling her in his lap as he sat down

---

"I want that large stuffed tiger...please sis..." he said looking at her.

She bought it for him happily. She hid her inward grimace when she saw the price tag and completely banished it when she saw her brother's lit up face as she handed it over to him. "Let's head home now. I got to give you your meds when we get back ok?" She said as she hugged him

Leslie hugged back. "I love you sis... I'm sorry if I'm a burden...."

"Leslie...please, never say that again. I love you, you are my world, you can never be a burden to me, you are what makes life worth living!"

"I love you soo much Hope..."

"I love you Leslie" She said with a smile as they headed home.

"What do you want to do when we get back?" he asked.

"I was about to ask you the same thing. I was thinking we could watch some movies tonight."

"Movie night!" Leslie was smiling. He was happy to be spending soo much time with his sister.

She smiled and took him home. "What movie do you want to watch?"

"Narnia..." he said, looking at her with a smile.

She smiled and put the movie in after giving him medicine and making them some drinks and snacks. She settled next to him holding him close.

Leslie leaned in against her, loving how close they were as siblings.

Hope smiled as she stroked his hair gently. "I love you Leslie. Some day you will be healthy enough to go to a public school with children around your age."

"Thanks for saying that....." he said.

"I mean it. That is what I want for you."

Leslie nodded.

Hope kissed her brother's forehead

"You need something special to, Hope...."

"I have soimething very special. I have you."

Leslie smiled and laughed.

She ruffled his hair affectionately and hugged him close as they watched the movie.

When the movie was over, Leslie said, "That was great!"

Hope smiled. "What do you want to do now?"

"Hmmm..." Leslie thought. "I want to go to bed.... I'm tired...." He yawned, and said, "I'm sorry...."

She hugged him. "No it's understandable and alright. We had a long day." She said as she helped him into bed and kissed his forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too Hope..."

She smiled and tucked him in. "Rest well." She said handing him the stuffed animal she had bought him.

Leslie hugged it to himself. "You sleep well too, sis..."

Hope nodded and kissed his forehead before leaving the room. She began working on paying bills.

The bills didn't look good....the billing companies wanted more money.

She looked at them sadly and tried to budget the bills seeing how much they would have after all of the bills were paid for food and Leslie's medication.

There wasn't going to be alot left.

She sighed and did what she could with the bills. She would have to ask for hours...she wasn't going to keep lowering herself to prostitution, she vowed.The guilt always hurt. She couldn't tell her brother. She sighed and went to her room looking through her small collection of jewelry, many of the peaces she had had she had to sell to keep food on the table. She looked down sadly at a piece that had been her mother's she didn't want to sell it,she had promised her mother she would cherish it forever...but her brother needed the money. She replaced it and looked at the other pieces seeing if she had overlooked any pieces that hadn't been her mother's before.

She found pieces, several pieces that her father had bought that she had taken.

She sighed sadly not wanting to sell them either. She took out the less important pieces and looked at the reference pages she had that assessed their cost. 

She found that one of the less important ones was actualy worth a lot of money.

---

Nadya spotted the store.
~~
Nadya held on to Tala as they ran back to Tala's house. "I don't know what happened, Tala...."

"I don't know but I hope I can get there in time if I can then maybe I can use my magic and help keep her from loosing the baby" she said to Nadya as she ran as fast as her legs would carry her.

She saw her house

"She's in the kitchen, Tala...." said Nadya.

Tala threw her hand up and with her magic the door opened on its own she ran in and slid through the house into the kitchen.

---

Seanna looked at Seit filling nervous. "I wonder what's taking them..."

Seit shrugged. "I don't know..."

"Should we check on them?"

"Yes...I'll be right back..." Seit said, and headed out of the room to check on Tala.

Seanna sat down to wait in worry.

"Oh..." came a voice from behind her. Ruaera saw Seanna having end up there with her.

"Oh...it's you again...how did you end up here? What did you mean by earlier?"

"What did I mean?" Ruaera tried to think. "I know I am here now because I am searching for help....and I was trying to appear in the Earth Maiden's shop.... for another has been placed with me...."

Seanna looked worried. "Tala is downstairs..."

Ruaera smiled at Seanna. "Thank you, princess...."

"Please...just call me Seanna..."

She was cut off by A young boy's scream. Seanna's eyes widened as she hurried toward the stairs.

Ruaera disappeared to appear where the scream was.

---

Elda held on whimpering. "Please...hurry...I don't want to lose another one..."

Tala slid into the room. "Elda!" she said with worry, she put Nadya down then went over to Elda and helped her sit down. "hang on I'll see what I can do" she said and put her hands on Elda's stomach. her hands glowed bright green as she began to mumble something ancient and archaic feeling her powers of the earth to do what she could to help Elda. Her body was scarred and torn inside an out the life was hanging on with all that it could. "Dont be scared" she whispered to Elda. "its alright" she said softly cooing Elda. She kept using her magic doing all she could to help.

Elda gasped in surprise and slowly she stopped moaning. "It...doesn't hurt..."

"Mommy...." Nadya said, looking like a scared child should, for she truly was.

"your going to be ok now both you and the little one" she said looking up at Elda. "Like your daughter I'm not human, but unlike your daughter I am not what she is I am what is known as one of the fae." she said looking up at Elda with her big beautiful eyes.

Elda slowly nodded. "I...am not surprised at this point...thank you for saving the baby."

"Thank you Tala...." Nadya said, hugging the woman she now called sister in thanks.

"You're more then welcome little one you two are family now and thats what matters to me" she smiled at them. "Now be careful and have a good day I have to go back to my shop I'll be home in a few hours alright?" she asked with a smile as she let go of Nadya then stood to her feet.

Nadya nodded.

Elda nodded a hand gently on her abdomen. "And the baby is safe now?"

Tala nodded "Yes I healed anything that could go wrong with the baby it will grow strong and healthy " she smiled at her friend.

Elda smiled in relief and tears filled her eyes. "Thank you so much."

Nadya smiled, hugging Elda.

She hugged back

"You are very welcome now I must be off again I'll be back soon" she turned and headed off for the door to return to her bookstore.

Nadya waved to her.

Elda hugged Nadya thankful for Tala and her daughter.

"Are you okay now, mommy?" Nadya asked softly.

Elda nodded and kissed her forehead. "Thanks to you and Tala. Thank you angel."

"Anything for my mommy..." she said smiling.

"You saved your sibling too."

Nadya nodded. "I'm happy about that...."

Elda smiled and held onto Nadya humming a tune that had just come to her, Nadya remembered it was one her mother had hummed when she had been younger.

"You remember....our song...." Nadya said softly.

"I...seem to remember some things."

Nadya hugged onto Elda.

"what do you want to do?"

"Anything that doesn't stress my sibling....."

She smiled and gently rubbed her belly. "Lets find a deck of cards then. We could play cards."

Nadya smiled. "Okay.... let's go..."

---

The library was filled with new and old books. There was a section dedicated to the town and the town's surroundings' history.

Enna moved to the shelves, tracing her fingers over spines both old and new. Occasionally she pulled a book down into her arms, and when she was satisified she moved to a table and sat to begin reading.

She found many passages referring to 'the vanished' or 'missing' and many other local legends.

Enna frowned as she poured over the pages, her finger trailing slower over the missing and vanished. It had been going on for many years, Which took away the thought that it was just one being or group that had played part in the vanishings. She would have her work cut out for her when she began investigating in the morning.

At last she stood and stretched, making her way over to the librarian, "Can I check out these books?" She asked softly.

"Do you have a library card ma'am?"

"Oh!! I-I don't, I'm sorry. I just arrived in town today." Enna flushed, "Does it take too long to obtain one?"

"Well...how long will you be staying?"

"I'm working on solving the mysteries of this town. My older sister, Reika, disappeared a few months ago. However long it takes me to do so, or to find a lead that takes me elsewhere will be my time here." Enna responded.

"I wish you luck...fill out this paperwork please."

"Right away, thank you." Enna murmured, quickly filling out the papers and handing them over.

She was soon handed a card for the library.

"Thanks again. Now.. the books?"

The woman checked the books out for her. "They are due back in a week."

"Alright, thank you and have a good night." Enna smiled and waved over her shoulder as she exited the library and entered the street.

The woman bid her a goodnight as well. When she entered the street she noticed it was darker then it should be and realized there was an eclipse.

---

Khan, or Byakko as his self-made mistress calls him, walked down the streets of the town, knowing that she was safe. Down the street, he saw a young woman with an arm load of books.

---

Whisper was thrust into the room that held Liam and Ruaera. Whisper was unconcious and bleeding. He was also nude.
Liam carefully laid his love down and rushed to the boy draping his trench coat about the boy. "YOU MONSTER! HE'S JUST A KID!" He snarled toward the door as he gently picked him up and lay him down next to Ruara.

Ruaera appeared in the room. "It was... the old king....." she said stuttering.

"He didn't hurt you did he?" Liam asked in alarm still cradling Whisper.

"No...but the boy.... I.... he knows that I dream walk....."

Liam gently laid Whisper down and hugged her protectively. "We are going to get out of here...all three of us."

Ruaera nodded. "We have to get my body out of here too.... I was blind when I looked at you...."

"we will...But we need to find a way out..."

"We need the new king....."

Seanna appeared in the room and looked around with a shiver. "I came to help..."

Ruaera turned to her. "Princess... that was unwise...." Seanna could see Ruaera standing by Liam, and Whisper laying on the bed by Ruaera's body.

"I won't stand by and let my father hurt others...Ruaera...is there a way we can wake your body?"

Ruaera looked at Seanna. "I have awakened.... Liam here was able to do it.... with his love....and his kiss.... I am just using my ability over dreams to be able to see you and him right now.... for remember I said that I will be blind when I wake.... and I can do that now.... if you wish..."

"It will be easier to get all of us out...we will help you."

Ruaera disappeared, awaking on the bed, sitting up, looking straight ahead. "It is done....princess..."

Liam gently hugged her.

Seanna sighed. "Please...don't call me that." She sad as she looked about the room carefully. Finally she smiled and went to them. She had them link hands and she held onto Whisper. A moment later they were in a clearing in the middle of a forest. Seanna fell to her knees in exhaustion but smiled. "We are free."

Liam breathed a sigh of relief as he checked on Whisper, still holding Ruaera's hand.

"We're free..." said Ruaera softly.

"We are."Liam said in wonder as he gently picked up Whisper. Seanna took Ruaera's hand. "Should we head back to Tala's shop? Or somewhere else?"

"Tala's home would probably be better...he might look for us at the shop." Liam said.

Ruaera smiled, staring ahead of her. "Lead the way..."

Liam lead them that way.

Liam saw Tala's home just off a distance.

He sighed in releif leading them toward it still carrying Whisper

He entered the house carefully and called out for Tala and the others.

---

Rainier just stumbled off out of sight in the growing mist off towards his house. He had failed his life, he didnt do his mistress justice any longer, He had failed the only family he knew of. His life was just a failure.

A raven flew toward him and squawked in anger as though refuting him. It clamped its beak onto his hand drawing blood. "You truly fail when you give up all hope Rainier. I thought you better then to become a pessimist." Came The Morrigan's voice from behind him.

Rainier spun around to face her. "You have no right to say anything about this" he snapped not caring about the consequencies. "When you left I was on my own, do you even care about all of the shit I went through after you ascended? Probably not and now here you are. Yes I am a pessimist now because of many things in life especially knowing I lead that bastard of a king to my only family by his damned mark he put on me! I'm not going to let the king go near his daughter so I'm staying away from them all of them. While I have this mark carved into my flesh I will not be the cause for any more people falling into his hands!" he turned his back on her, His heart ached doing so but he turned his back on the greatest woman he ever loved.

She grabbed him by the shoulders. "Rainiar? I do care, I was unable to come to you but it doesn't mean I was not blind to your fate. Do not think so little of me. Now...About that mark. Do you think a mere fae and be stronger then I? Show me the mark."

Rainier couldnt bring himself to meet her eyes. He took off his coat, then unbuttoned his shirt. He pulled his hair over his shoulder before pulling his shirt down revealing the mark to her carved into his shoulder.

She placed her hand gently on the mark, he felt a surge of energy surge through him and then only a dull tingle from where the mark had been. Morrigan kissed his shoulder. "All gone. Be the Rainair I know. The one who isn't a pessimist. Oh and Rainair?"

Rainier turned and looked at her. "Yes my lady?" he asked softly not feeling worthy to look in her eyes, he still loved her so much and here she was helping him.

She kissed him on the lips. "Our child is strong isn't he?"

"Our child?" He asked not believing he had heard that. "My lady? what are you talking about?" he was so confused by that statement.

"Sylvanos. He has grown strong and healthy...he had...a peculiar talent to become a female. But he is very strong and healthy."

"The new fae king? he's my..." he remembered the woman in the cafe the day before. He looked up at her. "My lady why didnt you tell me you were pregnant?" he asked needing to know, did she really feel he wouldnt have been a good father. First his long lost brother and now he had a child.

She looked down with sadness. "The realm of the gods...is at war. I bore our child to a realm at war. I protected him and managed to escape. The gods that are trying to become more powerful seek to use the fae as pawns, Sylvanos volunteered to take on the roll as the new king in order to help put a stop to the war...but we only managed to escape recently."

Pain filled his heart to hear this of her. "Morrigan" he gently curessed her cheek. "I am so sorry to hear this, But it seems like he has truely grown into a strong man... and woman" he added. "I will always be here for whatever you need my lady, you know I am always at your service no matter what it is you ask of me." he said watching her with those beautiful molten gold eyes of his their was love in his voice and in his gaze.

She kissed him once more. "Rainair...you can start by helping me get to your brother. He is no longer in the old king's clutches but he is still marked."

"He's out?... yes of course my lady" he nodded then closed his eyes opening his senses to the wind to sense his brother's energies.

They lead toward Tala's

"He is safe, and at Tala's" he opened his eyes and then looked at his Mistress. "This way my lady" he said and offered his hand to her.

She smiled sadly. "Rainair...You must go alone. I am unable to aid you any more but when you get to your brother place this on his mark, it will remove the mark." She said handing him an amulet.

Tears filled Rainier's eyes hearing this of the woman he loved so much but he understood. "Yes of course my lady" he said in a tone trying to hide his pain. She was ripping herself from his life again. "Thank you for your help my lady" he said gently taking it from her hand. "I deffiantly pray for your safety up above" he said softly not meeting her gaze anymore he had to hold his feelings back. His heart just hurt so much knowing he was loosing her again.

"Rainair...Seanna is the one who needs you...her own father desires her in his bed. protect her..."

"Yes my lady as you wish." It still hurt him though, his heart was The Morrigan's he didnt even know this woman and yet the woman he loved so much wished for him to go to her, but The morrigan was a lady of the Heavens now. "I will do as you wish and you will always be in my heart" he said in a stoic tone but love in his voice.

She closed her eyes and nodded he thought he saw a tear as she vanished

Rainier felt the tears run down his cheeks as he turned and headed off to tala's house.

he reached the house

---

"The bastard... the old king.... he took Whisper..... Rainier run off and so has Seanna...... and another girl....." he describes the young woman she had talked to briefly "was in the room too.... I don't know if he took her too or not...." Seit told Tala.

"In the name of the gods" she put her hand to her mouth scared. "The girl you speak of she's the daughter of an old friend of mine but how could she be here? unless... Dream walking" she realized.

"I really don't know, Tala.... all I know is that Rainier is blaming himself.... Seanna ran off..... and that boy is in one of my paintings...."

Tala was confused on why Rainier would blame himself over this unless. "No it can't be.." She looked at Seit with scared eyes. "The dark one, he marked Rainier"

"What?"

"Rainier wouldnt have exploded like that unless he truely felt it was his fault, the only way he could have felt it was his fault is if he felt he lead the dark one to his little brother. The only way for that to have been able to happen, Rainier was marked." She said worriedly.

"Tala.... Seanna.... is that bastard's daughter....."

"The other option was because both he and his brother are marked." Came a man's voice.

Seit looked towards the voice.

Tala looked towards the voice as well

He cloaked figure stood there.

Seit spoke, "Who are you?

Tala stood there nervous on the answer.

"A friend."

"Who are you?" he asked again, not trusting the voice.

"A friend would show us their face and tell us there name" Tala said in a non trusting voice as well.

"Very well." He said removing the hood to reveal a very handsome young man. There was an aura of power and wisdom about him. "My name is Don."
((the lord of the dead and the elements.))

Seit's eyes widened.

Tala's eyes widened as well and she bowed to him. "My lord I didnt expect to see someone as yourself here" She wasnt used to having so many lords and ladies coming through her doors.

"Whisper was marked as well."

"So he tracked down the boy through the mark. He must have made Rainier a pretty good deal to be marked himself. With the Ganacagh when your as powerful as a man as he you have to come to an agreement to wear the mark of another. Like he did with the lady Morrigan." Tala said thinking about it all.

Seit shook his head. "I don't think Rainier made any deal with the old king.... he was completely blaming himself for what happened.

Don sighed. "Either way the boy was marked as well."

"I understand that sire" she then looked at Seit. "And to answer your question, the Dark King's Daughter is the only Female Gancanagh in existance, Rainier had lost his love many many years ago. having Seanna dangled infront of his face was like a steak to a hungry dog." Tala said knowing her friend well. That longing he always had for another romance like he had, had with Morrigan, it was something he craved like no other.

Seit looked at Tala. "I know that she is... for remember I got this necklace from you.... and she had told me....I've been watching her.... and I have no doubts that she is not up stairs..... and that boy...Rainier's brother... I know him from the past, but he doesn't remember me.... I painted him with the Dark King... In Bed."

Fear filled Tala, no wonder the king wanted Whisper back, "I'm sorry if you took offense to what I said Seit I was just trying to make a point that the Dark king did have something to offer Rainier." she stood there worried and looked at Don. "Sorry for exiling you from the conversation for a moment there sire" she bowed to him a deep and graceful bow.

Seit just shook his head.

"It's fine. The important thing is securing their safety. I believe they are now at your place Tala."

Seit looked at Tala. "That's good...."

"Yes that is good, thank you for the news sire We should deffinantly be on our way to see them."

Seit nodded. "Come on....."

Tala nodded she turned and headed do the door with her keys in her hand ready to go.

"Good luck."

"Thank you sir" Tala said as they headed out, she locked the door behind them knowing that Don would vanish out. She then turned and hurried down the road towards her house.

Seit hurried after her.

they both appeared near her home

---

Matthew ran with her, running towards the town.

Lamya held his hand tight and ran as fast as he legs would take her. "I'm sorry its all my fault I'm nothing but a curse" she cried as they ran.

"You are not cursed..... there are stories that this area is......" called out Matthew. "Hurry...."

Lamya was running as fast as she could when suddenly her foot caught on a branch. she cried out as she twisted her ankle hard. "Matthew My ankle" she cried in pain and looked back seeing their pursuer coming fast. "Get out of here its me he wants Matthew" she said through tear filled eyes.

Matthew ran back to her, scooping her up, and he started running again. "Not without you..."

"Matthew" she cried against his chest as he carried her.

The sounds of pursuit died down

Matthew continued to run, not wanting to stop til they had reached his apartment.

Lamya's ankle throbbed with pain as she clung to him with fear silent just glad to be in his protective arms.

Matthew made it into his apartment, and quick layed her on his small couch, running back to the door to close and lock it. he then ran to get the first aid kit for Lamya, and started to work on her ankle.

Lamya winced and whimpered as he worked on it. She held her camera bag tight in her arms trying not to really yelp out in pain.

Matthew carefully wrapped it up, and got ice for it. "there....." he said softly. "How does it feel?"

"It hurts alot I really twisted it hard." She said laying there.

"You need to rest it..."

Lamya nodded. "I know this really isnt the time to say but, it looks like you got your wish of me staying here with you" she said with a soft giggle trying to make him smile knowing he was blaming himself for her getting hurt.

"It was not the way I wished to have you stay...but I wish you to rest...."

"I'm sorry I was just trying to get you to smile" she said softly and sadly.

Matthew kissed Lamya. "I am smiling...Lamya..."

Lamya smiled softly and gave him a little kiss back. She winced as she moved her ankle slightly. "Man this really sucks" she sniffled.

Matthew scooped her up, and layed her down on his bed, and just held her.

Lamya snuggled in his arms and drifted off to sleep in the warmth and safety that was him.

Matthew stroked her hair falling to sleep.

Lamya dreamed of them together, but there was another, she felt he was a friend but he did for Matthew what Matthew did for her. This guy also helped to care for her.

Lamya was confused by the dream, was it Sol? she didn't know who else it could be.

The dream then turned to one where she and Matthew were again running from that cloaked figure, but this time but her and Matthew fall, her to a raisened tree root and Matthew having be hit by the figure. She is then grabbed but then the guy is attacked by Sol who throws the guy off of her, attacking the guy. Matthew gets up and scoops her up running again, but slower, she notices that Matthew is hurt. Soon Sol runs up, quickly putting Lamya on his back, and scooping Matthew up himself. They then get to safety.

Lamya jumps awake. "But why?" she thought to herself wondering why she had seen her dream like that.

"Lamya....are you okay?"

"Yes I'm alright I just had a bad dream is all" she said looking up seeing he was awake.

Matthew held her against him. "I'm here....I won't leave you...." he whispered.

"I know sweety I know" she sighed happily snuggling against him but then shot up. "Oh no I need to get my things from the hotel!" she said worriedly. All she had in the world was there.

"I'll go..." he said getting up. "You just get me the key..."

"thank you" she slid her wallet out of her pocket and pulled out the room key from it handing it over to him. "Its room seven" she said as she set her wallet on the night stand next to her.

"I'll be right back..." Matthew left to go get her things.

Lamya nodded. "See you soon" she said lovingly then watched him walk off. she curled up in bed again thinking of that dream she had.

An hour later Matthew was back, holding her again. "I have checked you out of the hotel, and have your things in the other room..."

"Mmm thank you sweety" she said in a tired tone she had been drifting back off to sleep when he had returned. She rolled over in his arms gently so not to hurt her ankle and snuggled against his warm chest. "I guess this means neither of us has to sleep on the couch" she said cutely looking up at him.

"You're right...." he whispered.

Lamya sighed happily snuggling against him. it wasnt long after that her breathing deepend and she fell back to sleep once more.

Matthew too fell asleep again.

Lamya had another dream of her, Matthew, and Sol. They were all living happily together.

Lamya just basked in the warmth of the dream. But she felt a famililar shard of ice in her heart. Images of a dark man replaced the warm feeling of love. Walking forward he stared into her eyes, His eyes were rare indeed, Silver with flecks of Garnet inside of them. As his cascading black hair hung around him, making this man appear like the king he was. ((I'll make him once I return back from my grandmothers))"Do not worry darling you'll be safe with me again soon" The promise was all to real as suddenly his lips were on hers in a deep kiss.

Lamya yelped waking up again she was breathing deep ragged breaths. "Please... Just be a dream" she knew she had awoken Matthew again and felt bad for it. She turned and looked at him. "I'm sorry Matthew I just can't seem to go to sleep without nightmares." she said sadly feeling bad for disturbing him. Feeling like a burden.

Matthew smiled down at Lamya. "Shh....it's okay, Lamya.... I'm here for you...." He kissed her lips.

"No its not ok, you can't get any sleep" she said and he could see that her eyes were filled with great sadness. "I I just feel like a burden to you is all. I don't want you going back to work exhausted because of lil' ol' me and my nightmares, maybe it would be better if I slept in the other room so I don't keep waking you up." she said softly scared of what he was going to say.

Matthew held her even closer to his chest, and softly kissed her neck. "I love you, Lamya..... you are not a burden..... I am actaully getting more sleep than I usually do...."

Lamya shivered at the feeling. Usualy she freaked when lips hit her neck but for some reason when he did it she was ok. She sighed softly snuggled up to him. "your just saying that arent you?" she asked softly, it was hard for her to believe him.

"No... it's true...." he said softly.

Her big sparkling pink eyes stared up at her. "Matthew." she smiled softly up at him then buried herself against his chest. "I love you so much" she said lovingly. "how did I get so lucky to find someone like you" she hugged him tight. But it wouldnt last long if that dream was real if... 'he' returned after her.

"I could ask the same thing.... and I love you too, Lamya...." Matthew said, kissing the top of her head.

Lamya gently nuzzled his chest and sighed. She preyed that nothing would happen that she could stay like this with him a little longer.

Matthew's breathing slowed to that of someone sleeping, but his hold on her was still strong.

Lamya snuggled happily but kept herself awake she didnt trust her sleep knowing another nightmare would probably invade her mind.

Lamya, however, did fall asleep, the dream returning to that of Sol, Matthew, and herself escaping away together, happily.

Lamya's heart felt sad she had told Matthew never to go after Sol for a relationship and yet they seemed very happy together.

Moister on her face, woke Lamya.

"what the?" Lamya mumbled in her sleep and rubbed her eyes.

There was a tear stain running down Matthew's face, from a single tear. Matthew had a smile on his face, and he was mumbling in his sleep. "....I.... love you....Lamya.....Sol.....I'll protect you.... Lamya.... I won't leave you......"

Lamya rolled over in his arms and gently stroked his cheek as he slept, Now she really felt horrible about what she had asked of him. As soon as her foot was healed she was going to find Sol.

"I'll...never leave....you.....Lamya...." he mumbled. "I....promise....."

"Matthew..." she whispered softly her heart hurting all the more. She snuggled into him as tears filled her eyes feeling so bad about what she had done but she was going to fix it, there was no doubt about it that she was going to fix.

"Lamya...." came Matthew's voice softly. "What's wrong?"

"Its nothing Matthew, really its nothing" she buried herself in his chest hiding her face.

"Was it another nightmare?" he asked, softly. "I love you.... I will protect you with everything I have......"

"I'm ok really I am I know you will protect me no matter what" she said in a loving tone snuggled against him.

Matthew tilted up Lamya's chin, and kissed her passionately. "I will always be here for you.... this is your home if you wish...."

"Oh Matthew" she gave him another kiss in reply to how filled with joy she was.

Matthew held her in the kiss for a long time.

She pulled back and smiled up at him. "Thank you for coming into my life" she said in a loving tone.

"I won't change our meeting for anything....."

"Awww" she couldnt help but melt at his sweetness. she buried herself against him. "I love you so much" she whispered against him. she winced a little bit because she had moved her ankle the wrong way.

"Careful, Lamya.... would you like me to get you anything?"

suddenly her stomach growled "Oh thats right we never had our lunch, I'm starving right now" she put her hand on her stomach thinking of it.

Matthew laughed. "I'll make us something to eat..."

"That sounds good to me" she winked playfully

"Don't go any where, Love..." said Matthew, kissing her cheek, and leaving the room.

Lamya laid down snuggling up in his bed again. Her mind wandering on thoughts of out to find Sol.

After a while, Matthew came back in, carrying a tray of sandwiches and two glasses of tea. He smiled at her. "Our lunch..."

"Aww thank you Matthew" she smiled lovingly at him as she pulled herself up into a sitting position. She let out a little yelp when she did. she had moved her ankle in the wrong way.

"Careful, Lamya... not too fast..."

"Sorry I'm ok, really I'm ok" she smiled lovingly at him as she made herself comfortable against the pillows.

Matthew sat the tray on her lap, and then carefully sat up her ankle on top of a pillow. "There..."

"Your so good to me, I don't deserve someone as sweet as you" she said in a soft loving tone, he could tell their was something pained in what she said but it was barely there.

"Lamya.... I promised you before.... and I will always promise you... I will not leave you....." he said softly, sitting beside her, a arm wrapping around her shoulders.

---

Sylvanos Looked over the handy work. "Not a bad copy." He said.

"Thanks..." she said.

"We should get the body to him soon before he suspects anything" he said worriedly looking at Nemesis.

Nemesis nodded. "I'll take it to him.... you have your daughter to worry about...."

"I also have a pregnant love to worry about" he said not caring that Sylvanos heard. "Especially with that spell still working on you we don't know how fast the baby is growing and I don't want you and our baby in danger." he said with worried eyes.

"He will probably try to kill you after you have brought 'me' to him."

"He doesn't know what I look like..." Nemesis said, touching the body. "Find your daughter.... my adopted daughter. With that she disappeared.

Rasmus felt his heart drop. "Please be alright." he then looked at Sylvanos as he held the harp in his hand. "What did Tala say I was supposed to do with this?" he asked trying to keep calm.

He explained once more.

Rasmus nodded "right of course, but where am i going to find a body of natural water?" he asked mainly to himself thinking about it. Their wasnt to many natural bodies of water around here like lakes or ponds.

"There is a stream in the woods...or the pond."

Rasmus nodded thinking about it. "Yes of course I didnt even think of that one" he said and then took off with his lightening fast speed wanting to try and find his daughter as fast as possible.

He made it to the stream in the woods.

Sylvanos followed. "He gave him the instructions once more. "She is no longer in his clutches but she is still on a little danger."

Rasmus leaned down. he clenched his free hand in a fist, he hadnt played music in so very long. Letting out a long breath he felt that thing inside of him that peice of him that he had held his music in his heart. Thats when his music came alive, his fingers played over the harp in a beautiful song causing the water begin to ripple.

The water began to reflect his daughter, slits through both her eyes, sitting on a couch, a young boy laying unconscious, a little eight year old girl, and two women.

Rasmus kneeled there, his heart pounded. "My little girl..." he said softly. "where where are you" he said as his fingers played across the harp trying to find out where she was.

The water shifted, showing a large manor, and then he saw the image of the Earth Maiden.

"She's at Tala's house?!" he was shocked by this. He turned looking at Sylvanos. "I have to go to her I have to go to my daughter" he then turned and began to run off towards town.

Sylvanos sighed and waved his hand making Rasmus appear in front of Tala's.
He sighed and vanished.

Rasmus was thankful for that he then ran to the front door and lifted his hand to the door knob summoning his magic to unlock the door. He couldnt wait he had to get in.

---

Isabel nodded. "Yes...." she said softly.

"I...am more a monster then what people call vampires...I...have no control."

"I left my family home...because of what they thought...."

"I...killed my parents..." He whispered with tears in his eyes.

"As what you transform into?" she asked softly.

He nodded sadly.

"Then that was not your fault.... You're family.... family doesn't turn away family...."

He looked down. "I...still...killed...them.."

Isabel pulled him into a hug. "Shhh..... you have family...."

He broke down to crying.

Isabel held him, rubbing his back, rocking him.

He fell asleep in her arms.

She heard the sound of a stare creak.

Isabel looked up towards the stairs. "William.....?" she said calmly.

William cautiously revealed himself. He looked uneasily at the cage. "Wh...what is he?"

"He.... is family.... that is what he is....." Isabel said looking up at William, with a smile. "One of our unique family..."

"Why...did he turn into...that thing?"

Isabel looked at William. "I don't know...."

William sat down on the bottom step. "Fae..."

"Fae or not... he is still family..." Isabel said softly.

William shook his head. "No...I mean...I think fae did this to him..."

Isabel looked upset. "We will figure this out...." she said. To Sol, she said, "Please....tell us.... what happened to you....?"

Sol looked down. He slowly told what he knew.

"I'm so sorry...Sol...." said Isabel.

He held his face in his hands. "I killed my parents..."

"You're parents?" Isabel questioned.

He explained how he had come to and was covered in their blood and they were dead. "They...weren't my biological parents....I met a girl who claimed to be my sister...but they raised me...I loved them..."

Isabel looked at William.

William looked sad.

"If you didn't know your biological parents.... it is possible for that girl you spoke of to be family to you...but you were still taken in by McKnights making you family.... and William here thinks it was the Fae that did that to you...."

---

"Can't go back where? The fae? Hell no you can't, and if you join the family we stick together."

Aeliat nodded.

Raya came in and handed him a plate of food. "Are...you going to join the family?"

"Yes," Aeliat said softly.

She smiled as she sat down. "I'm glad."

"I just hope that I don't destory your place....."

"You won't. We will help you." Ryu said.

Raya smiled and nodded.

"Thank you...." Aeliat said.

"I hope you enjoy the food." Raya said with a smile.

"Aeliat took a bite. "Anything you make is great..."

She smiled happily. "I'm glad you like it."

The sound of the door opening reached them and a moment later they could hear a small group of people approach. "Smells like Raya was cooking." One of the voices piped up.

"It's on the stove." Raya said with a smile.

Aeliat stopped eating looking towards the voices.

A small group of guys headed toward the kitchen. He recognized them as the other band members.

Ryu called them over. "This is a new member of the family guys." He said introducing Aeliat.

One of the band members drapped a shoulder around Ryu's. "I am so proud of you! You letting in the guy like that. Welcome to the family. The name is Isaac." He introduced the other band mates.

"Aeliat......"

"Nice to meet you Aeliat." They all chorused as they began to help themselves to Raya's cooking.

Aeliat looked down, unsure of what to do.

Raya gently put a hand on his. "You ok?"

Aeliat nodded. "...Yes..."

She took his hand and led him to a spare room. "It's yours if you want."

"really? Thank you..."

She smiled happily. "And thank you. Ryu made excuses at the school saying there was an emergency...and I guess it is sorta true."

Aeliat nodded.

"Anything you need?"

"No..." siad Aeliat.

"Ok...I am three doors down and to the right if you need anything." She said and left

Aeliat nodded.

Raya left the room

Aeliat went over to the window, looking out at the sky.

It was pretty out.

"Do I really have a family now, after so long...?" he asked no one.

---

"Last night he did."

"What? Who are you? Why...should...." Tsura asked.

He walked over to her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. She felt her heart beat for him. "My name is Dagda."

"Dagda...." Tsura was speechly. "I..."

"Yes?"

"I still don't understand..."

He gently hugged her as though protectively. "Demon's real name is Nuada and he likes games of intrigue...I fear he seeks to only trick your heart."

"...Why...."

"I know not."

"I'm no one of importance....."

He hugged her gently. "No. Everyone has worth. You are very special."

"No... no... I'm just a runaway.... my father helped me run...but still....I..."

He held her close and she felt a sense of peace and protection sweep through her. She felt a stronger pull to him too. "Even runaways have worth. And you must have had your reasons for running."

"....Yes....." Tsura said softly, not looking up at him, as she held back tighter, feeling the stronger pull.

He gently held her. "I know a safe place you can stay...if you wish."

"I.... huh...." Tsura just nodded 'yes'.

He held her gently and soon they appeared in a marble hall. "You may come and go as you please but this is a safe haven."

"I....what.... where....?" Tsura said, looking around in awe.

He gently kissed her forehead. "Magic."

"What are you?"

"Would you believe me if I told you?" He asked gently

"I am a descendant of Irish werewolves.....that left Ireland....and have been our own clan with no outsiders......." she said softly.

"I'm the Dagda."

Tsura shrugged, looking confused.

"A god."

Tsura's eyes went wide. "Wh...wh... a....a.... go...go...go..d...."

He looked at her with a gentle smile. "Yes."

Tsura's legs just gave out on her. "A god..." she said to no one but the floor.

He caught her gently before she hit the floor and scooped her gently up into his arms. "I'm sorry if this is a shock..."

"A god... but.... I.... gods..." she stuttered.

He gently stroked her hair."What is it?"

"I don't know... I'm just in shock.... I think...."

---

She sighed sadly not wanting to sell them either. She took out the less important pieces and looked at the reference pages she had that assessed their cost. 

She found that one of the less important ones was actualy worth a lot of money.

She sighed in relief and took out the piece. She called the woman who watched her brother when she ran errands to see if she could watch him for a little bit.

"Oh Hope, you know I will..." said the woman over the phone.

"Thank you...Sorry about the short notice...I will wait for your arrival."

"No problem.... be right over..." Not long after, there was a knock on the door.

Hope smiled and went to the door and answered it.

"Hey Hope," said Maria, the sitter. "I'm ready and here....you becareful going out so late...."

"I will. And thank you so much." She said as she got ready to go. "I shouldn't be out too late. Leslie is in bed." She said as she left to go get the piece sold.

As she walked down the street, she felt eyes on her.

She looked about uneasily.

"Good evening," came the familiar voice of Dailokii, her savior many times.

She stiffened a little. "Evening..."She said as she tried to move past still heading for the jewelry shop.

"Where are you going in such a rush, my dear?"

"Jewelry shop..."She said still walking. She kept repeating the promise she had made, she couldn't let herself give in to his promises again.

"Please, allow me to help you....my dear...." he said, walking with her.

She shivered a little. "I'm fine." She said as she went into the shop and spoke to the owner about the pieces worth.

The shop owner paid her $100 for it. The young man was standing out side.

"Sir...the estimate I have says it is worth at least $500..." She said as she showed the estimate.

"It's not what I have..." the shop owner said.

"But...can you go four hundred?"

"I can go.....huh... two hundred...." the shop owner said.

"But I will go one thousand...." came his voice.

She bit her lip and walked over to him. She offered the piece of jewelry and held out her hand for the thousand. At least he isn't asking for...that..

He handed her a roll of twenties. "For your own safety."

She frowned. "Thanks..." She said leaving and heading home. She wanted to get back to Leslie she felt like something was wrong.

"Allow me to walk you home...."

"Why? What do you want from me? I won't do it anymore...I can't stand the guilt..."

"I have not forced you.... nor have I asked you tonight..... I do not wish for you to feel guilt...."

She bit back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. "W...what do you want then? I...feel the guilt...I feel like I have betrayed my baby brother's trust..."

He pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the lips. Her heart leapt from her chest.

She froze not sure if she liked it or not.

"I will not ask you to do anything... but take my gifts to you.... I wish to help you...."

---

She smiled and gently rubbed her belly. "Lets find a deck of cards then. We could play cards."

Nadya smiled. "Okay.... let's go..."

She held her hand as they looked for a deck of cards ain Tala's home.

"Mama... I found one..." called nadya smiling. "Let's play..."

She nodded and sat down at the table.

Nadya dealt the cards. "Poker?" she asked looking cute. She then looked out the window. "Liam!!!"

Elda looked at her. "Wh.." She was cut off by Liam calling for Tala and them from the door.

Nadya ran to the front door, throwing it open. "Liam!"

Liam carried Whisper in. Seanna followed helping Ruaera. "Is Tala here?"

Nadya shook her head. "She had gone to the shop...."

Ruaera stood near Seanna, not sure what was going on in the room.

Seanna showed her over to a couch and sat near her.

Liam laid Whisper down on the other one,careful to ensure he was covered.

Elda hovered near the door glad Liam was safe but still a little uneasy.

"I will try to find her. Stay here." Liam said as he raced outside.

"Liam!" cried out Ruaera.

He turned and gently hugged her. "I will be back...you're safe here."

"Please don't go...." Ruaera said, hugging back.

Nadya watched, smiling. "My new big brother has a girlfriend mommy...."

Elda smiled and gently held her daughter. "Shh...I see that..."She whispered.

Liam kissed Ruaera's forehead. "I will be back."

"Liam...." Ruaera said. "People are coming here...."

"What people?"

Suddenly there was a flash of magic and the front door opened. "Ruaera!" Rasmus shouted from the front hall.

Ruaera jumped, her blind eyes looking everywhere. "I....daddy...."

Nadya ran to the front door. "Sister's not going to like you just busting in....."

"I'm a good friend of Tala's she'll understand please I just need to see my daughter I know she is here, she is a gifted seerer and amazing musician please." he didnt know she was sitting in the other room and hadnt heard her say Daddy because of Nadya coming into the hall.

"Brother! Your girlfriend's daddy is here!" Nadya shouted to Liam.

Liam cautiously moved to where Nadya was in case it was a trap. "Prove to me you are who you claim to be..."

Seanna mean while stayed close to Ruaera.

Elda looked confused a little.

"Daddy..." Ruaera said softly.

Seanna bit her lip gently. "You...think it really is him?"

"If you wish boy" he held the harp still in his hand, suddenly his fingers whipped across the cords playing a beautiful yet haunting melody. Rasmus directed the music at Liam as he played causing him feelings of great sorrow and fear. he grinned his red eyes glinting in the light of the hall as his fingers played it had been so long the power flowing through him as he played his music felt amazing. After a few more moments the melody changed and suddenly the whole house felt extreme joy and happiness like nothing they had ever felt before in their lives. But then suddenly Rasmus cut off and all of those feelings of joy vanished and everyone's feelings were their own once more. "Is that enough to prove it or do I have to start singing?" he asked. His singing was even more powerful then when he played an instrument, his singing could control wills to the core and he could make people do anything he wished with his voice.

"Pretty...." said Nadya smiling.

Ruaera tilted her head, and softly said, "That is my father..." She, herself, began to sing. She started to sing the song that was her's, and her's alone, not wanting to effect the emotions of her friends.

Liam stiffined and his breathing became labored. He looked almost frantic and took a step back from Rasmus. "G...go...to her..."He said hurrying into the bathroom. The sound of retching could be heard.

Nadya looked to Elda. "Mommy?"

Rasmus ran into the other room, He stopped in the door and saw her. "Ruaera.. my baby girl" tears filled his eyes before he ran over and suddenly hugged her in his arms sobbing. "Oh my daughter."

Suddenly Tala came to the door. "Elda, Nadya whats going on?" she asked worriedly hoping everyone was alright.

Elda explained still confused. "Then Liam went into the bathroom..."

"Oh my so much is going on" Tala said astonished by everything in one day. She then headed in and saw everyone in the livingroom then went to the bathroom. "Liam are you alright?" she asked from outside

After a few minutes the sound stopped."Y...yeah..."

Tala heard somemone calling out for Rainier in the other room then at the door she saw his form in the doorway. "Rainier, hurry your brother it sounds like he needs you." she said worriedly.

Rainier nodded, his eyes had a saddened haunted gaze within them as he hurried off to the bedroom.

Liam slowly came out he looked sick at heart.

---

Seit came in. "Seanna.... are you alright?"

Nadya climbed into a seat in the livingroom, smiling at people.

"Daddy...." Ruaera said, hugging back.

"Oh sweety I'm so sorry that evil bastard had you for so long. I thought you were dead" he sobbed hugging her tight

"I thought you were dead too.....daddy..." Ruaera cried. "I...I couldn't wake up.... but I could see....I.... can't now.... not when I'm awake...... Liam.... he helped me... he woke me from my sleeping state...."

"I'll deffinantly have to thank the young man then" he said softly as he held her tight crying.

"He ran off to go to a little girl's shouts...." Ruaera said.

"that would be my fault, last I saw him he ran off to the bathroom" he said sitting down on the couch next to his daughter.

Ruaera stared off, but was smiling. "I am happy to have you back, daddy...."

Seanna smiled a little at Seit. "I'm fine..."She said.

Whisper groaned a little still unconscious.

Ruaera turned her head at the sound.

Nadya went over to the groaning Whisper. "Shhh... it's going to be okay.... red haired boy....." she said calmly, sounding older.

Seanna went over to Whisper too.

Seit followed Seanna, staying close by.

Whisper thrashed in his sleep and called out for Rainier.

Rainier suddenly came in the room followed by Tala he hurried over to his brother. "Shhhh I"m here Whisper I'm here" he said stroking his brother's hair trying to sooth him.

Tala looked over at Rasmus and his daughter and smiled, she was happy for so many wonderful reunions.

Seit watched Rainier.

Nadya looked at Rainier. "Pretty family hair..."

Elda gently hugged Nadya.

Whisper opened his eyes and threw his arms around his brother crying into him. "R...Rainier..."

"Shhh I've got you little man" he said hugging his brother tightly "I've got you and no one is going to hurt you again. That man he marked you some how but an old friend of mine gave me a present in order to get rid of it so he wont be able to find you so easily anymore" he said as he hugged his brother tight, he glanced over at Seanna, his heart pounded from her beauty, then he looked back down at the ground in front of him.

Whisper continued to cry into him. "I...tried to resist...to get away...he made it hurt more..." Seanna gently put a hand on Whisper's head looking sad.

Ruaera looked at the ground, listening to every word.

Nadya watched.

Seit wished he could help.

Elda held onto Nadya gently.

"Oh Whisper I'm so sorry" Rainier said hugging his brother tight, "I promise on my life and my soul that I will not let him touch you again do you hear me never again" he said hugging his brother tight tears in his eyes.

Whisper hugged back. Rainier saw a flash of what was happening with Sylvanos and had the feeling he was in trouble.

Tala went over to Liam worriedly seeing how ill he looked. "Are you alright?" she asked worriedly looking down at him.

Rainier felt his heart ache his son was in trouble and he didnt know where he was.

Ruaera's body went limp in her dad's arms. She appeared in the middle of the room.

Rainier saw a flash of where he was.

Liam sat on the floor near the door and merely nodded. He eyes Rasmus suspicously and looked at Ruaera lovingly.

Elda looked confused at what took place with Ruaera.

Ramus gently sat his daughter's body down. "Strong just like your mother was" he said watching his daughters power at work.

Tala gently rubbed Liam's back and laced healing magic through him.

"Father... I had help from higher beings in my abilities.... and Liam awoke me from my centuries of slumper.... a slumper where only the one I was might to be with could watch me....." Ruaera said, smiling over at Liam.

Nadya looked at Elda. "Mom... she's something special..."

Elda nodded.

"I...should go." Liam whispered.

Ruaera walked over to Liam, hugging him. "Please don't leave me...." she whispered to him. "I love you..."

Rasmus sat there no matter how much he didnt like the idea his daughter was a grown woman and if she loved the boy then she loved the boy.

Tala stood there watching.

Rainier got whisper to look at him. "Brother I have to go my...." he stoped no one needed to know "The new king he is in trouble I have to go help him. I'll be back very soon stay here within sight of all of these people and I will be back as soon as possible." he said standing up.

Whisper nodded. "Be careful..."

Liam hugged Ruaera back.

Seanna looked to Rainier in worry. "Yes...be careful..."

Seit nodded. "Yes, Rainier....becareful..."

Rainier nodded. "I will I promise." he stood and headed for the door.

"Wait I'm coming as well" Rasmus said getting up and going over to Rainier. "Sylvanos helped me out alot and I'm going to go and help him if he needs it."

Rainier just looked at him and nodded in understanding. "Right of course." he turned to Tala. "Watch over all of them Earth Maiden were counting on you."

Tala nodded. "Promise I'll watch over them with all that I am and protect them with my life if I must."

Rainier smiled. "Thats my Tala. Oh I need you to do this for me" he walked over to her and placed the necklace in her hand and then leaned in and whispered the instructions in her ear. Tala nodded in understanding. "Thank you Tala that means alot." and with that he and Rasmus headed out the door then vanished off to the battle where they were needed.

Seanna looked down at her hand in her lap and gently stroked Whisper's hair soothingly. Oh...he likes Tala...I'm happy for her.

Tala went over to Whisper and gently put her hand on his shoulder. "Hey there no worries your brother is a great warrior he'll be alright." she said soothingly to him. With her hand on his shoulder she let her magic ease through him as she looked for the Dark kings mark on his body without him noticing.

Seit walked over so that he was near Seanna. "Everything will be as it should..." he said to her.

She smiled at him and nodded. "I know..."

Whisper nodded laying his head in Seanna's lap. Tala realized the mark was gone.

Nadya looked around, then she jumped up and started running around the room.

Tala smiled hoping they would all be alright for now while they waited for the men to return. "I'm going to go make some refreshments, how does hot Cocoa sound to everyone?" she asked with a smile.

Seanna nodded.

Elda smiled. "Nadya? You want to help Tala make it?"

Nadya stopped, and looked at Elda. "Yes... I'm going to put strawberry syrup in mine!"

Tala smiled when suddenyl their was a huge thump upstairs. She looked up sensing it. "Oh no their hurt!" he ran upstairs feeling how wounded the men were.

Zoran stumbled back holding his side where his brother Valash had sunk a deep wound into him. "Damn" he whispered as he lit his hand up and began to heal himself.

Rainier felt exhausted, not only had giving his power to Sylvanos and the fighting had drained him, he had not fed off of sexual energy in a few days so that was wearing him thin as well and he could feel his body begin to have small tremors from his lack of energy. But now was not the time.

Rasmus went over to Sylvanos. "My king are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

Ruaera awoke in her body, and said, "Liam.... please take me up stairs... my father...please...."

---

Zoran grabbed her and ran away from the ranch. They wouldnt be safe there. He held her tight against him as he carried her. "damn it I thought I lost the hunters a long time ago" he snarled at himself as he looked down at Tainn trembling in his arms as he ran. "Tainn your not safe with me any longer." he said to her as he ran into the woods to wrap his way around to the town and hopefully loose the hunters on the way. "I'm going to take you to my friend Tala. She can take care of you until your father gets home. They probably think I beguiled you so they will not harm you Tainn." he said holding her close. His heart was aching but with the hunters on him if he didnt leave her she would end up dead just so he would suffer. He couldnt do that to her. She had just found her brother and her father still needed her.

"Z... no please...."

"Tainn you can't stay with me its not safe with me, I'm going to take you to Tala but then I have to go into hiding." tears filled his eyes as he ran. "you'll find someone else a nice human to fall in love with." he said with a pain filled voice that thought of her with another man almost ripped his heart out but she couldnt live a life on the run from hunters.

"I don't want just some nice human... I want to be with you.... please don't leave me..."

Zoran ran in scilence for a few minutes, he couldnt see his life without Tainn. His sweet Tainn. He looked down at her for a moment then looked ahead. "Tainn I don't want to leave you either, there is one place we can do to get away from the hunters. A place where even if they found it they couldnt get in. Tainn, If we go there you will be this way, this age for a very very long time are you willing to spend who knows how many years ahead with me?" he asked. If he took her to his home, his fae mound on the other side of the city she would be safe within its magical realm but she would be bound to his magic then and become almost a full immortal.

"Yes, I'm willing to Zoran.... I love you...." Tainn said, hugging him as he ran. "Z.... look....they're not there......"

Zoran slid to a stop and looked around worried then looked down at her. "Are you sure? I want you to be sure about this Tainn." She could tell he was having a break down scared. "God I love you so much I just don't want to screw this up" Tears filled his eyes looking down at her.

"I'd follow you if you had left me at your friend's.... so yes I'm sure...." Tainn said. "But look, their not there anymore....no worries for now....but maybe we should go to your friend's for now...."

"No I'm taking you to my home, I feel better keeping you there for awhile until we're sure its safe. and Tainn, thank you" he leaned down and deeply kissed her for a moment before picking her up again and he began to run off towards his home.

Tainn snuggled into him.

It wasn't to long when they broke the tree line and in the distance Tainn saw a small yet beautiful house built into a large hill. Zoran slowed down as he came to the door. Using his magic he unlocked the front door and opened it letting them in. The inside looked like a small and beautiful house as well. Zoran closed and locked the door behind them then crossed the house over to another door. This door looked much much older. he put his hand to the old wood and chanted something in an ancient tounge, Runes appeared on the door as she heard locks opening. Zoran grabbed the handle and opened it. As soon as the door opened a feeling of power washed over them. On the inside of the door was a long hall way made of stone, it looked ancient as if it was inside one of the great castles of Ireland. Zoran closed the door behind them and placed his hand to it chanting once more. The locks reset but then suddenly the door vanished before their eyes. The place held power great power inside of it. The hall was tall and their were beautiful statues of dragons that lined the hall holding torches. "Welcome to my home Tainn" he said looking down at her.

Tainn looked around the area in shock and in awe. "Oh my..."

Zoran smiled down at her. "This is only the entry hall" he set her down on her feet. "Their is much much more to my home" he lead her off and began the tour throughout the rooms. His home was huge, grand ball rooms training rooms, a huge kitchen along with a great dining hall. One room was a large series of hotsprings, while he had many glorious garden rooms that were like peices of paradise filled with amazing plant life. It was something out of a faerie tale his home. "So you've seen most of my home now Tainn and know that this is your home as well" he said looking down at her lovingly. He hadnt even shown her to his bedroom but he was nervous to do that. "I can have a door installed at the ranch so you don't need to worry about the walk from my small house to the ranch. "I'll also feel better that way" he said thinking about it all.

"Could it be connected there through my room in the ranch house....?" Tainn asked.

"Yes I could, if you have a closet in your room that would be the easiest" he said as he had his arm wrapped around her shoulders.

"I do, Z..." Tainn said, leaning against him. "This is an amazing home.....beautiful....."

"Thank you, and now that you've agreed to make this your, I should say part time home if their is anything that will make this homier to you, your more then welcome to do that" he smiled down at her feeling so happy.

"It's like a fairy tale, Z..... I don't know what I could do to make it any better..."

"Anything that makes it feel more like home to you your more then welcome to do." suddenly his stomach growled. "thats right we were heading home for lunch when we were attacked" he chuckled standing there.

Tainn laughed, and pushed him into one of the chairs. "Stay! I know how you love my cooking...." she said, running off to the kitchen they had seen it.

He laughed glad to have been in the dining room when his stomach growled. "Man I feel lucky" he sighed happily leaning back in his chair feeling like the luckiest man int he world to have his Tainn in his life.

"Hey..." came Tainn's voice a while later. "Can you help me...?" She had had three plates, two of them obviously for him.

Zoran bolted to his feet with a smile and went over taking his plates from her. "Wow these smell fantastic." he said with a big smile looking at the spread she had made. "you are deffinantly a fantastic cook" he said as he walked with her over to the huge dining table. he placed his plates down and pulled out her chair for her.

Tainn sat her plate down, and then took her seat. "Thank you, Z..."

"Your welcome my love, one thing I have to say though, Tainn from now on be careful who you say thank you to, especially the fae, if you say thank you to the fae in my culture you owe them something in return." he said as he sat down. "Oh drinks, I'll be right back" he got up and headed to the kitchen. He was thinking about other lessons he needed to teach her about his culture to make sure she was safe.

"Do I owe you now?" she called to him.

He came out with a glass of juice for her and a glass of Fae wine for himself. He hadn't had any in a while and he was craving it. Chuckling as he walked out. "No you don't owe me anything because I love you and I'm not like most fae. but just be careful alot of Fae will take advantage of you if you give them the chance" he said as he set her glass down infront of her then took his seat next to her and began to eat.

Tainn smiled, and started eating as well.

Zoran smiled lovingly seeing her eyes light up at the rich flavors of Fae food. "Good isnt it?" he asked before he took a bite. She was even amazing cooking Fae food.

"I didn't know what alot of the spices were but... I... yes it is..."

"Mmm this is so good Tainn, alot better then what I make for myself" he groaned happily at the taste before having a drink of his wine. "And do not worry, now that you'll be living in my world as well I will teach you all you need to know my love"

"I love you, Z...." Tainn said smiling.

"I love you as well Tainn" he said lovingly and leaned over kissing her cheek.

"What all else do you have here, Z...?"

"what do you mean by that? rooms? well I have a grand library and a Hot spring Their are some rooms that I keep many of my magical items and their are some of the larger magical items that I'm going to show you as well." he thought about what else their was to show you. "This place has many secrets and wonders my love." He said lovingly.

Tainn giggled. "maybe I'll just run around exploring..."

"Oh no no no, None of that now." he leaned in and playfully gave her neck a little love nip. "I don't want you running around and into who knows what." he chuckled to himself. But it was true their were some things in his domain she was not ready to run into.

Tainn leaned into the nip. "Alright..."

Zoran chuckled and gently nuzzled her neck. "Besides now that we're safe and sound here why don't you and I spend some alone time together" he said very sexy way.

Tainn frooze, throwing her hands over her face, hiding it.

Zoran gently pulled her hands from her face. "Whats the matter?" he asked worriedly.

Tainn was bright red, looking at him.

Zoran smiled. "you know your adorable when your red like that" she said chuckling.

Tainn blushed even deeper. "I.....you.... voice...." she said in a soft stutter.

Zoran smiled. "your so cute" was all he said before he got back to eating, he would let anything that happened between them be on her terms when she was ready for something she was ready for something.

Tainn looked down at her food, not sure how to react.

"I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable Tainn" Zoran said in a sad tone.

Tainn shook her head, looking up, smiling. "I love you, Z...." Tainn stood up and went over to Zoran, hugging him.

"I love you as well Tainn, and anything you wish to happen between us is all on your terms when your ready for anything then your ready for it" he kissed her softly.

Tainn blushed deeply, nodding. "I....just hold me...."

"Of course" he said lovingly and slid his arms around her holding her close to his body, he swayed back and forth gently to the beat of a silent song in his head.

"You slow dress....nicely....." she whispered against him.

"Thank you, I can say the same to you" he said lovingly holding her in his arms as they moved together. Gently he ran his fingers through her hair as they moved together. He loved having her in his arms like this.

Tainn tilted her head in his hands, let out a little purring moan. "Mmmmm...."

Zoran really liked the sound of that it sent a jolt through his body. As he had her cuddled to her body with her face snuggled against his chest he got a mischevious grin and continued to run his fingers through her hair. He was a man after all.

Tainn held on to him. "Z... I...love you so much....." Her fingers twirling the tips of his hair.

"And I love you so much baby" he whispered against her hair as they continued to dance. The moment was so romantic. He twirled his finger and called some magic, suddenly real music began to play, it sounded like violins and something that sounded like a flute but different.

"Beautiful..." whispered Tainn. "I love it.... it's so.....romantic....magical...."

"thats not the end of it" Zoran said lovingly he waved his hand and suddenyl they were in his huge grand ball room, one of the rooms he hadnt shown her yet. It was truely like something out of a fairy tale. The music continued to play in that hauntingly beautiful melody.

Tainn smiled up Zoran. "Oh wow... I didn''t see this room....went we were walking through...... it's soo wonderful.... it's out of the world...."

Zoran smiled down at her. "I'm glad you like it, it is one of my favorite rooms" he smiled and winked down at her.

Tainn blushed at his wink. "I....I can...see...why, Z...."

Zoran let go of her and walked aways a bit. "I can think of all the beautiful balls I've hosted here." he twirled around.

"They sound wonderful...." Tainn said, watching him.

Zoran felt fae presence outside the little home of his in the human world.

"Honey it feels as if someone needs to speak to me" he walked over to her and took her hand they vanished and reappeared in what was osrt of the livingroom of his home that she had seen before. "Here watch TV a bit I don't know how long I'll be. the kitchen is just down the hall and on the left if you need anything" he kissed her then vanished.

Zoran reappeared at the door to his Fae home. He shifted into his human form as he walked into the human realm. Closing the door behind him and causing it to vanish he walked to the front door of his little home. He opened the door. "How can I help you?"

He saw a cloaked figure standing there. "Please.....help...." a female voice said. The figure fell forward.

Zoran caught her in his arms as soon as he had her he knew. "Nemesis oh god" he picked her up in his arms and closed and locked the door behind them then hurried into his Fae home. He vanished and reappeared in his room laying her on his bed then vanished and reappeared with Tainn. "Tainn I need your help my friend Nemesis she's hurt badly hurt" he said with worry in his eyes.

Tainn nodded. "Okay...."

Zoran pulled her in his arms and vanished off with her reappearing in his room where Nemesis laid on his bed. then he let go of her and undid her cloak so he could see the damage

What he saw was that his friend Nemesis was pregnant, and was about to give birth. But he also saw that something had happened... she had just been in a fight.

"Someone hurt her....look at her neck...." said Tainn softly.

"By the heavens Nemesis" he said in shock and put his hands over her one over her heart and the other on her belly. Suddenly his hands began to glow and he began to chant working his magic healing her.

"Ah....Z..... I think the baby's coming...."

Zoran looked down at her his eyes glowing gold. "Damn this isnt good, she's unconcious and she needs to be out of it so that my healing magic doesnt hurt her." he snappedhis fingers and suddenly two long peices of cloth appeared in his hand. "Tie her legs spread apart. I'm going to use my magic to help her with her contractions and force her to push without her knowing it. I'll need you to just focus down there and watch for the baby's head alright, this is very very important" he waved his hand and suddenly a baby crib appeared and on Tainn's lap a towel and blanket appeared while next to her was a clamp and a pair of surgical scissors on a surgical tray. "The clamp and the scissors are to cut the cord and the towel is to clean off the blood and after birth now hurry and tie her legs appart we have to do this fast."

Tainn quickly did as she was told. And then placed herself to watch. "Okay, Z..."

Zoran held his hand over her heart and the other over her stomach. "Alright now your going see my magic pulsing I'm going to have to go into a semi trance when I do this so just watch for the little one" he said and then took a deep breath. he pretty much had to become her life system when doing this magic. Tainn saw as he became very stoic and his eyes half closed. His magic glowed around his body, His magic that rich gold with streaks of a beautiful green while the magic of Nemesis's aura lit. As his breathing became low and steady suddenly she watched his magic pulse and it began..

Nemesis's body glowed a deep purple-lish black color. The contractions became closer and closer together. "I see a head..."

Zoran's magic matched the contractions, pulses of his gold and green magic going into her aura causing her unconcious body to push with each contraction. he heard Tainn as they worked but his mind was focused on Nemesis's body making sure nothing failed in her.

The baby came, and Tainn quickly took the hild, wrapping it in a towl. "Ahh..... Z.... there's another......"

"really?..." he waved his hand over in the direction of tainn and the little one, another crib appeared as a towel appeared on the bed next to Tainn. "put the Little one down in one of the cribs we have another baby to bring into this world.

Tainn did as he said, and the second baby came. "Z..... can you check on how many she is going to give birth to....because I see another coming...."

"Really? oh my" he then closed his eyes and probed inside her body. "their's two more inside I can feel their heart beats. he waved his hands and created enough towels and cribs, then focused on the birthing process to get the little ones out.

The excitement ended. Tainn had four babies in separate cribs, cleaned and wrapped in a towel. Tainn divided her attention among the babies, trying to make sure that they were all fine.

Nemesis let out a cough.

Zoran was focused on keeping her vitals in check and was finishing healing her body from the pains of birth and whatever her body had been through.

"...Zoran...." Nemesis let out a whisper.

"I'm here Nemesis I'm here" he said getting up and sitting next to her on the bed feeling she would be alright. Gently he took her hand in his to give her that comfort that he was there.

"My babies..... Rasmus....." she muttered, she was tired, she hadn't excepted to fight this night.

"Your babies are ok sweety I'm going to do a quick medical check but their all crying and happy and healthy from the sounds of it the birth went well" he leaned down and kissed her forehead in a caring loving manner. He had heard of Rasmus never met the man personally but he had heard of the Minstral. "And Rasmus is he the father?" he asked looking down at her.

"Yes....yes.... damn....bastard....would have killed.....my babies....."

Zoran didnt understand what she was saying and took it the wrong way. "Did Rasmus do this to you?" he asked in a calm yet dark tone.

"No....king...."

Zoran growled and Tainn saw his hair go up like the hackles of a wolf. "That bastard has crossed the final line" he snarled ready to rip that man to peices over this.

Nemesis started to push herself up. "He commissioned me... to kill the new king..... but he got wind of a switch.... "

"Hey your still weak don't push yourself to hard." he helped her sit up then lean back against the pile of pillows.

"Rasmus will be worried...."

"I'll get word to him Nemesis but right now you and your little ones are in no shape to go anywhere." Zoran said looking at her. "You and them need to stay here a few days where your safe." he said worriedly.

"No... help the new king.... he saved me.....please..."

"Where is he I'll go at once" Zoran said feircly.

Nemesis told him. "Hurry..."

"I'll stay with her..." said Tainn.

"thank you my love" he leaned over and kissed Tainn. "I'll be back soon. He stood and vanished.

Nemesis looked at Tainn. "Who are you?"

"Tainn....you?"

"Hotaru.... a friend... thank you for helping me and my babies..." Nemesis said.

The two talked a little.

---

Leslie carefully moved from his bed, moving silently to his window, openning it. He looked out. "Sis... I want you to be happy...."

He noticed a figure watching the house from the tree line.

Leslie looked closer at the guy.

The figure faded deeper into the woods.

Leslie carefully climbed out of the window, and to the ground. He slowly started off towards where the figure had gone.

It was cool and he slid a little.

Leslie headed through the woods.

He felt as though he was being watched.

Leslie stopped walking, looking around. "Hello?"

A hand covered his mouth. "Hello girly boy."

Leslie struggled, trying to claw at the hand, and kicking with his legs. He was scared.

He soon blacked out. When he came to he lay on a bed. His clothes were gone but he didn't feel like anything had happened to him.

Leslie curled his legs against him, and started to cough. "Sis...." he muttered. Leslie looked around the room. He started to cough somemore.

A man entered the room and grinned as he saw him. "Hello cute thing."

Leslie coughed, looking at him. "Let me go....please...." he begged, coughing again.

"Aww...are you sick?" The man said as he gently tilted Leslie's chin up so he could look into his eyes. Leslie realized the man's eyes were catlike. "But I like my new toy."

"Please.... I have to go back.....I'm going... to... I need my.... medication...." Leslie said softly.

"Your medication? You mean this?" The man asked producing Leslie's medication in one hand and the other began to caress his inner thigh.

Leslie's breathing became labored. "Please don't!" he pleaded. "Please.....I..... Please...."

"Hey asshole!" Came a young boy's voice. Leslie felt a pull from that direction. The guy looked in confusion and suddenly flew back as he was kicked away from Leslie. A young boy about fourteen or so stood there. His black hair looked a little unkempt and the boy looked like he had been outside for a long while. He handed Leslie some clothes and began to kick the crap out of the pervert. "Stay away from kids you jerk!"

Leslie quickly got dressed, and ran, coughing as he went.

He was gently caught by the other boy who handed him a bottle of water. "Here. You ok?"

Leslie drank the water. "What.... I... think.... his eyes.... they were like a cat's.... and you were...fighting him..."

"He's a monster...where did you come from anyway?"

"I had snuk out of my home.... I'm always a burden on my family...." he said softly.

"I don't beleive that. You seem alright to me."

"I'm sick..... my medical bills are a burden on my family..."

"Do they view you as a burden?" Lial asked kindly.

"My sister.... doesn't....but I know I am.... she gave up school.... for me...." he said, looking down.

"I'm Lial...you're only a burden if your family veiwes you as a burden...you're lucky to have family. She probably quit school because she wants you healthy...we should get you home."

"She's my only family..."

"Seems like she loves you and wants to protect you."

Leslie nodded. "I know... but I still feel..."

He hugged him gently. "Come on...you need to go home. Don't feel this way."

Leslie nodded. "Thank you....for helping me...."

Lial smiled and Leslie felt his heart beat quicken. "I was glad to help. I've tried to put that monster behind bars...now I have proof."

"Oh....I...." Leslie just nodded.

"Where is your home?"

Leslie told him where it was.

Lial smiled and took his hand leading him that way. Lial coughed a little still fighting a cold.

"YOu're sick too...." Leslie said softly.

He blushed a little. "Just a cold..."

"You sure....?"

"Yea...It's been getting colder out here."

"My home is that way.... you could come inside with me..."

"Ok...you sure?" He asked as they reached the front door.

Leslie nodded. "Yes..."

---

Once she'd found it she entered, threw her things on the bed, and went directly for the bathroom. She started the tap for the shower and quickly stepped into the steaming water with a pleased sigh.

The water was the right temperature.

After Enna finished her shower she turned off the water and wrapped a towel around her lean form before reentering the bedroom to dig through her worn bag for something decent to wear.

She noticed an envelop in the pack.

"What is this?" She murmured, puzzled, picking the envelope up and opening it.

He will kill you like he has killed others. He is responsible for some of the vanished. keep safe and on the alert. He is only keeping you alive because you struck his fancy. That is how he works be careful or he will do to you what he did to my sister...

Enna threw the letter on the bed and quickly scanned the room. She meticulously searched behind and in anything large enough to hide somebody, "Is someone in here?" She demanded, "Who put that letter in my bag?" Quickly she threw on a clean traveling outfit, snatched up the letter and pocketed it, and moved for the door, still wary.

The room appeared empty of anyone.

At last Enna closed and locked the door behind her and headed down the hall, as she moved she weaved her hair back into its tight braid, a troubled expression playing on her face as she approached Khan.

Khan looked over at her as she came back, standing up from the bench he had sat down on. "What is wrong, Miss Enna?"

"Give me a few minutes to sort my thoughts." Enna responded, glancing up at him. That letter... was it talking about Khan? And if so... why? I have to figure this out soon... "Why don't we sit down to dinner first, hm?"

Khan nodded, openning the door for her.

"Thanks for accompanying me." Enna smiled warmly, "Otherwise I'd be wandering blindly trying to find my way around..."

"You are very welcome, Enna..." Khan said, leading her to a diner. He opened the door for her. "After you...."

After they were seated and their orders taken Enna's expression became serious once more, "Somebody was in my room while I showered." She dug into her pocket for the letter, "And they left this for me. Care to help make sense of it?" She held it out to him, if he was the one it warned her of, it was better in her opinion to get it all out into the open rather than tiptoe around, she watched his facial expression carefully.

Khan looked at the letter confused. "If this note is speaking of me, I know not of the vanished that are spoken on in it..."

"I don't know exactly who it was speaking of, but I'll analyze the letter later, try to figure out who wrote it, where it came from, whatever I can. The fact that its speaking of the case I'm here to work on can't be a coincidence." Enna replied, breaking stride in her commenary to thank the waitress as she brought them their food.

Khan nodded. "I don't know the legends really around here..."

"That is one of the reasons why I had so many books. I mean to make sense of what's going on here. I plan to solve every disappearance mystery I can..." Enna replied, her voice started out fierce though faded slightly towards the end, as though she were losing enthusiasm or growing sad at the thought.

"What's wrong? If I may ask...."

"My sister disappeared as well." Enna replied after several long minutes of silence, "I am looking for her."

Khan nodded. "I have heard that any have disappeared.... I am just not familiar with it......"

"Let's just say I'm giving myself the crash course here." Enna chuckled dryly.

Khan nodded. "Yes... I am sure that you will do fine, Enna.... I will assist you when I can, if you wish...."

"Tomorrow night I'm thinking of visiting a few spots that tend to have the highest disappearance rate." Enna replied, "They're listed with some legends though, so I'm doubting that they have anything to do with what's going on, but it'll be a start. I'll probably spend my day reading and if you'd like we can meet up in the evening to begin?"

"Alright... that would be great, Enna..." said Khan with a slight smile. "I will help anyway I can..."

"I'd be grateful for the help." Enna replied warmly before delving hungrily into her meal.

Khan eat slowly, his meal being small.

"That was delicious." Enna leaned back at last, "Better than that canned stuff I've been dining on the past few weeks." She gave a pleased sigh.

Khan nodded. "I agree that this was good.... and please allow me to pay..."

"Please, you've helped me more than enough tonight... Let me have the honors." Enna replied.

"It is only honorable, if I did.... though if you wish to pay the next time..."

"That is if next time I can treat you to a little better than a late night diner." Enna said.

"Miss.... I couldn't put you out like that...."

"You wouldn't be putting me out, don't worry about it." Enna chuckled.

Khan nodded. "As you wish..."

"Alright, then how about heading back for a good night's sleep and meeting up tomorrow afternoon?"

"It sounds like a plan, Enna..." he said.

"Alright, then what say we get out of here? I'm dead tired..."

Khan stood up, paying for the meal. He then opened the door for her.

"Thank you for being so kind to me. I hope we can become good friends, Khan." Enna said as she stepped through the doorway.

He will kill you

Khan smiled gently. "As do I...."

Again with that voice... Hope I'm not becoming a schizo. Enna thought sarcastically as they walked back to the hotel.

Khan opened the door to the hotel for her.

"Thanks again Khan, for an interesting night out. See you tomorrow then." She said warmly.

Khan nodded. "Till then Miss Enna..."

---

He pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the lips. Her heart leapt from her chest.

She froze not sure if she liked it or not.

"I will not ask you to do anything... but take my gifts to you.... I wish to help you...."

"W...why? You came to me for....for...and now...why the change?"

"Because..." he kissed her. "I realized I love you..."

Her eyes widened. She didn't know how to react. "B...but why? You...just like my body I thought...isn't that why you came to me in the first place?"

"No...I like your mind..." he said, kissing her forehead. "And your strength... and will.... and love of your family..."

She looked down trembling trying to fight back the tears she didn't know what to think. "I...need to get back to Leslie..."She said as she ran toward home.

She felt something in her pocket.

She frowned and pulled it out.

There was an envelop of money.

She counted it with shaky hands.

There was more than enough to pay for a few treatments, as well as food and housing and miscelanious items.

She smiled a little and put the money away hurrying home.

She made it home.

"I'm home." She said to the babysitter

The sitter came over. "He has been asleep the whole time... not a word from his room...."

"Ok. Thank you." She said as she paid her and went to check on her brother.

Her brother was not in the bed, and the window was open.

"L...Leslie?"She asked in shock as she rushed to the window.

She heard voices at the front door. Leslie's being one of them.

She rushed to the door and threw it open. She threw her arms around him protectively. "What where you doing outside? I was so worried."

"I.... I'm sorry sis......I...." Leslie said hugging her back.

---

Aeliat went over to the window, looking out at the sky.

It was pretty out.

"Do I really have a family now, after so long...?" he asked no one.

He could hear the others talking and laughing

Aeliat went to the door, and opened it a little, to listen.

They seemed to enjoy each others company and from the sounds of the conversation they were excited to have him as a brother.

Aeliat came out of the room, and walked to where they were.

They smiled as they saw him. "Hey you play sports?"

"...No....I don't..."

"Want to learn?"

"What sport?" he asked.

"Basketball."

"What's that?" Aeliat asked. He had never been the sporty type before.

They explained.

"Oh..."

"Want to play?"

"Okay..."

They took him outside to the basketball court and began to explain the rules. "Any questions?"

Aeliat shook his head. "I think I have it..."

They began to play with him

Aeliat attempted to play.

---

"A god... but.... I.... gods..." she stuttered.

He gently stroked her hair."What is it?"

"I don't know... I'm just in shock.... I think...."

he gently hugged her. "I am here for you."

"I...." Tsura nodded. "What are you the god of?"

"Protection, warriors, knowledge, magick, fire, prophecy, weather, reincarnation, the arts, initiation, the sun, healing, regeneration, prosperity and plenty, music, and the harp...."

Tsura nodded. "What now...? My things are there... and it was my only place to stay....."

He closed his eyes and soon her things appeared next to her.

"Wow...."

He smiled charmingly. "Let me show you to your room."

"Really? I have a room....?"

"Yes...if you want a room here."

Tsura nodded. "Thank you.... lord..."

"Call me Dagda."

Tsura looked down. "...Yes... Dagda...."

"What's wrong?"

"You're suppose to show respect to the Gods...."

"You can do that by being yourself...I want to become your friend...and perhaps more with time."

Tsura blushed deeply. "I...I..."

He smiled kindly

Tsura looked down. "What do I have to do....?"

---

He explained how he had come to and was covered in their blood and they were dead. "They...weren't my biological parents....I met a girl who claimed to be my sister...but they raised me...I loved them..."

Isabel looked at William.

William looked sad.

"If you didn't know your biological parents.... it is possible for that girl you spoke of to be family to you...but you were still taken in by McKnights making you family.... and William here thinks it was the Fae that did that to you...."

"Fae...." He looked sad.

Isabel stood up, carefully bringing Sol up with her. "William, do you think you can help me get him up stairs.... and I'll make us all something to eat...."

William nodded and helped Sol to the couch upstairs. "Why is this happening to me? I ask that every day and never get the answer..." Sol said

"Everyone can say that.... I haven't seen anyone that I had known since my embrace.... I miss them a lot..."

"I am sorry...you're...a vampire?"

Isabel nodded. "Yes.... I am.... have been since this land's people lived in villages and castles...."

"Oh..."

"It would seem we all have secrets... but we all carry the McKnight family name..."

Sol nodded.

"So...do you have any requests for something to eat?" Isabel asked.

"I...don't care.."

"Then I will make a family reciepe...." Isabel said and headed into the kitchen. A while later wonderful smells started to come from the kitchen.

Sol and William just looked at each other.

"Foods ready, you two..." she said, coming into the livingroom.

Sol got up and went to eat. William followed.

The kitchen table was like an image from a ancient paintings of feasts from the dark ages. It all looked great.

Sol sat down but didn't eat.

William looked at the food ravenously

Isabel looked between them. "Well? Go on... don't make me feed you like a mother to a child..."

---

"Your so good to me, I don't deserve someone as sweet as you" she said in a soft loving tone, he could tell their was something pained in what she said but it was barely there.

"Lamya.... I promised you before.... and I will always promise you... I will not leave you....." he said softly, sitting beside her, a arm wrapping around her shoulders.

"I know sweety and I thank every moment for it and I love you so much." Lamya snuggled against him as she began to chow down on her food. "yum" she said playfully as she began to eat.

Matthew smiled and kissed her forehead.

as she sat there eating she started feeling some pain in her neck. gently she rubbed the side of her neck that was away from him then she went back to eatting.

Matthew began to massage her neck as he ate.

Lamya gave a little wince when he did. "Mmm something hurts can you check it out for me?" she said softly rubbing her neck when she leaned to the side to let him look their were bruises there that looked almost like a bite.

"Lamya... it looks like someone bite you... bruises...." Matthew said softly.

"What?" she whispered and put her hand to her neck, she got off the bed and limped to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror, Images of the man in her dream appeared images of her ex. The vampire lord of new york, the big fangs in the big apple. "Oh god he's found me" tears filled her eyes.

"Wha...? Who, love??"

Lamya looked at him with tear filled eyes. "The reason I've been on the run is because of my ex, your going to think I'm crazy matthew, but... My ex is a vampire. He was sweet and loving at first but after two years with him something snapped in him and then all of a sudden next thing I knew..." she put her hand over her mouth unable to say the things that man had done to ehr. "It was so awful the things..." she choked back a sob looking at him. "you must think I'm insane" she said backing away.

Matthew carefully pulled her into a hug. "I love you Lamya.... I won't let anyone hurt you again...."

"You... you believe me?" she asked softly No one believed her when she had told them her ex was a vampire, most people said she was just reading to many books or watching to many movies.

"Yeah.... I do..."

She threw her arms around his neck sobbing. "Oh Matthew" she said happy that he believed her.

"After seeing that, Lamya... I don't think that I could not believe you...." he said hugging her back.

"He was in my dreams last night, telling me he was going to find me soon and now this is proof." she trembled in his arms.

"Lamya.... I won't let him take you.... but we need help.... I just don't know where we could find some...."

"I don't know either I really down know" she suddenly winced as she put a little to much weight on her hurt ankle.

Matthew held her close. "I love you..."

"I love you to baby" she said lovingly

"We just need your ankle to get better... and then we can find someone to help us.... okay?"

She nodded. "Alright" she then began to limp to the other room.

Matthew scooped her up. "What are you doing?"

"I was going to go back to the bed" she said cutely sitting there in his arms.

Matthew kissed her, and carried her to the bed, laying her down.

Lamya lounged laying there. "thank you sweety I'm sorry for walking on my bum leg" she said looking up at him.

Matthew laid beside her. "It's okay love..."

"Ok" she sighed adn snuggled against him thinking of what to do it would be a few days before her leg would fully be healed, she could feel she twisted it badly and by then her bastard Ex would be in Calsax.

"I won't let him have you..." she heard Matthew say softly.

Her hands tightened on his chest hearing him say that, he was such a sweet man she was so lucky to have him.

Matthew kissed her forehead.

Lamya melted into his arms and soon felt sleep take her as she tried to heal.

Matthew held her close, not wishing to sleep.

Lamya's breathing was deep and even soon enough as a good sleep her took her for a moment.

Mathew fell asleep and dreamed about Sol. Sol looked lost and scared. He felt like Sol was under attack and there was no one to protect him. He bolted awake as he thought he saw Sol get killed.

---

Sylvanos and the ex-king continued to fight. Sylvanos rushed him and struck him. His eyes widened in surprise when he felt a blade pierce his side. The old king laughed. "Losing your touch boy?"
Sylvanos twisted away to void the brunt of the attack and he attacked back. How did he get me?
Soon Sylvans noticed several shadows surround him and his eyes widened. He was surrounded by the ex-king's men. "Wha?"

The exking smiled. "I learned from my mistake. If I can't take you out singlehandedly then I will bring in friends."

"Cheat..."Sylvanos said and grimaced when he felt several blades pierce him. he threw up a shield but some still got in. "Fight fair dammit!"

The ex king grinned. "Kill him." He said as he vanished.

Suddenly Zoran appeared and cracked his knuckles with a dark gaze in his eyes. "Oooh you are so going to get your asses kicked for this" he said before letting out a snarl as he stood between Sylvanos and the dark kings men.

Sylvanos groaned in pain and lashed out at the guards. The guards attacked back trying to harm both of them

Zoran lived to his name and fought like a dragon as he ripped through his enemies.

They attacked back

But Zoran had hundreds of years of battle training and ripped through the warriors. The feeling of battle made his blood boil he hadnt felt it in so long and he felt his powerful blood lust rising, that urge for battle.

He felt a blade sink into his flesh and there was a flash of familiarity a skilled opponent.

Zoran pulled the blade out of his flesh and spun around slamming it into the man's forehead. the man had been skilled but not fast enough. They were going to need help though to get through this.

Suddenly Rainier and Rasmus both suddenly appeared, and joined the battle instantly fighting with vicious ferociousness. This was the edge that Zoran and Sylvanos had needed with all four men fighting, the dark kings men didnt have a chance in hell to win. 

The man that Zoran fought seemed to desolve and Zoran felt a blade strike him again. "Must be prepared for anything brother." Came a familiar voice.

Sylvanose attacked some of his opponents but he appeared to be week

Zoran suddenly recognized it, it was hard not to. "Bastard!" he snarled as he went after the man.

Rainier noticed Sylvanos's trouble he went and fought next to his son fighting ferociously with him.

Rasmus was like a rabid beast as he tore through the men.

Zoran's brother grinned at him and attacked back.

The other men seemed to draw on his courage and attacked back.

Sylvanose attacked his attackers. "I...feel week...not sure why..."

Rainier suddenly put his hand on Sylvanos's back and began to transfer his own energy. "This should be enough at least to get all of us out of here sire" he said and after he had transfered a good chunk he threw himself into battle again tackling a warrior who was about to slug Sylvanos with a sludge hammer.

"How could you work for a bastard like the ex king I thought you had more honor then that?!" Zoran snarled at his brother.

Rasmus suddenly began to sing as he fought and let his magic seep into his enemies to get them to give up and run away.

Valash growled at Zoran. "You're one to talk about honor! I trusted you and you tried to kill me! The king is good and just...you wouldn't know anything about honor bastard!" He snapped as he attacked. Zoran noticed the sword he welded was the one Zoran had given him on his sixteenth birthday...the day Valash had vanished. He also noticed a collar on his neck. 

It only took moments for Zoran to figure it out, he didnt yell saying his brother was being controled. "you will see the truth" suddenly he held his hand out infront of his brother's face and a flash of light blinded the room. With his magic Zoran sweapt up the other three and they vanished.

Valash growled. "Return to his lordship." He ordered. He knew they all would be punished and he inwardly groaned as they vanished.

---

"Good night." Enna responded as she entered her room.

He will kill you

"Who are you?" Enna called aloud, "Why are you telling me these things? I can't help you if you don't show yourself..."

He's not to be trusted.

"That doesn't help me." Enna replied, kicking off her shoes and sitting on the bed, "I can't trust you unless I know you, unless I get facts and not simple warnings..."

A young man appeared from the shadows. He had brown hair and brown eyes. "He killed my sister."

"Khan did?" Enna asked in disbelief, "Where is your proof?" She settled her gaze on the young man questioningly.

He produced a tape. "This..."

"Go ahead and play it for me." Enna frowned and crossed her arms.

He went over to the tv and turned it on then places the tape in the vcr. After a moment it started. There was a beautiful young woman in a store a moment later Khan entered and began to kiss her. They began to talk and Khan waited till no one else was around before stabbing the girl. He rapped her and then slit her throat before leaving the store.
"He...left the town after that and the police have been searching for him..I'm surprised he has gone so long without being caught...this camera was hidden in the family store...she loved and trusted him..." The young man said as tears rolled down his face. She could hear the pain in his voice.

"Let me keep the tape. I'll keep an eye on him, if he slips up, I'll deal with it. But I've got a feeling that something is not quite right here."

The man nodded. "I...just be careful...I don't want this happening again...she was my twin..."

"I'll be fine. Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?"

"Just be careful...I don't want this happening again."

"I'm not an easy one to take down. You don't have to worry." Enna replied.

---

Khan walked down the street.

He felt as though he was being watched

Khan stopped, feeling the air, strecking out his senses.

He felt it move closer.

Khan took a step, and blended into the air, sensing for the person or thing that was following him.

He noticed what looked like a young child.

Khan reappeared off aways from the child, ans walked over. "Hello...?"

He looked at him with a smile

"Why are you alone, little one....?"

"I was told to warn you."

"Warn me about what?"

"Your friend..."

"Enna?" Khan said worried.

"Yup. She is a killer."

"What are you talking about, little one...?" Khan asked.



Whispers of The Past Day 4