“Nightmare, enough.”

I heard her voice in a small part of my mind but the Nightmare
inside of me didn’t respond. Suddenly she dropped out of the sky onto my back
forcing me to the ground then she snarled, “Look at me. I said  enough.”

There was a soft sound in front of and slightly above me. I  looked up as
best I could with the girl kneeling on my back and saw the Greater Named standing
in front of us sneering.

The Demon rasped out a taunted,“Nightmare is weak if his woman
can control him.”

My Beloved’s weight slowly disappeared from my back then I heard
her speak in a voice that was deceptively uncontrolled, “He isn't
weak.”

I watched her leap across the space between her and the Greater
Named attacking the Demon by sinking her fangs into its throat. The Demon threw
her off easily and advanced towards me slowly.

I got up from where I had been forced to the ground my armor
growing darker, “Demon...”

Mutt came running up panting,“Sir don't do this... We'll see him again in the end. He
isn't the ugly bastard you want remember?”

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Allacia shoot him a dark look
as I answered with a voice that was as hard as iron, “But... I... want... Them... ALL!”

Mutt’s voice was of one who was trying to reason with a child
throwing a tantrum, “Sir please. Do what your Beloved has asked. It is enough.”

The Demon started laughing, “It's never enough. You want more. I
feel it. Come and get me. If you can, Weakling.”

Suddenly I dawned on me who this Demon was. Completely cowed I
looked down, “No... You are Temptation... To kill you would let you win. To let
you win would mean that I have failed. No.”

I heard Allacia growl her agreement and before I could stop her
she jumped up. With a speed that was almost impossible for the eye to follow she
pulled out a bow and had nocked an arrow ready to fire. As she released the
bowstring she yelled, “Tincya en’russe tuulo’ moriloomir!”

Her arrow split into millions of tiny lightning bolts and struck Temptation, but
they did not kill it they only seemed to hurt it.

Temptation backed away and screamed the retreat, “We will see
each other again...” Then Temptation walked away.

I fell to my knees as all of the fight left me then removed my
helm saying to Mutt with dispair, “This will never end Mutt...” The shadows
glimmered over my armor then they dissipated taking my armor with them. “Go
Mutt. Give Varren command of the army... Then go and see your family...”

I got up and as I walked over to where my Beloved was standing
trembling faintly I shifted back to my human form. I sensed Mutt leave to obey
my orders but my words were only for the girl in front of me, “Put it away Luv.
It's done... For now...” My arms circled around her in a hug that I wanted to
show her just how little I wanted to let go as I whispered in her ear my voice
breaking, “Thank you... You've saved me again.”

I shuddered, thinking about how close I had come to giving into
temptation, then I let go of her to keep her from thinking that it was her fault
I had shuddered. I held onto her hand and spoke with a smile that was faintly
touching my lips, “Let’s go and see about your wings.” I smiled for real then
and brought her hand up to my lips quickly and kissed it enjoying the look of
surprise on her pretty face.

She returned her bow to the quiver on her back with her other
hand and at the same time pulled her wings in against her back saying, “My wings
are fine. They won't kill me.”

I raised my eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Suddenly she shook
her hair out of her face and pulled her hand out of mine. I was startled then
she placed her hand against the side of my face startling me more with her
action than what she said, “You are strong. You are NOT
weak.”

I chuckled smiling broadly, “My little hero… Yes a strong man
heeds his… Woman. A weak man ignores her.”

It had felt so natural calling her my woman that my smile had
actually gotten even bigger as the words left my
mouth.

I guess she heard the smile in my voice because she started to
laugh softly. Her laughter was like bells, music that I never wanted to stop
listening to. Like a song I could listen to on repeat for days on end without
growing tired of hearing it.

Depression came up the hill with the Council and the Clan
following closely behind him saying, “Danger, don't you have somewhere you need
to go?”

I looked at the girl in my arms with a question on my lips as I
felt her flinch.

Her voice was pained, “It can wait.”

Depression smiled evilly, “But your family is waiting for you.”

Allacia tore out of my embrace and whirled around to face her
tormenter. Suddenly her hands caught on fire as she snarled, “My family tried to
kill me!”

The boy continued in a mocking tone, “But Danger. Your people
have been waiting to see you ever since you ran
away.”

Allacia, Danger as Depression had called her, looked at him sadly and said with resignation,
“I have no people. Half Death Warrior half Night Elf, remember?”

Depression’s smile became even more evil as it became apparent
to everyone that he was purposely trying to upset my girl, “Who knows? Maybe
they've changed the laws and their minds and will accept you.”

She snarled at him darkly then vanished. Depression looked
around, “Great. Not again.”

He turned to me pleadingly, “Look I know I'm a pain in the butt
sometimes but could you try to locate her?”

The other Vampire looked at Depression accusingly, “You're the
one who brought up her past. Why don't you locate her?”

I looked over at Depression waiting for him to answer that
question as well.

Depression looked down and said with a sigh, “You know she won't
let me into her mind.”

Ming-Lynn looked at me pleadingly, “Please KJ?”

I closed my eyes preparing myself to reach out for Allacia’s
mind. Her voice came from behind me, “Why should he try to locate me when I'm
right here?”

I turned to face her smiling then I walked over to her saying,
“You’re a Death Warrior... I'm a Nightmare. Odd combo.” 

I stopped right in front of her then reached up and stroked her
face smiling even broader as she closed her eyes and leaned her face into my
hand. I grew serious then, “People tend to forget, it is not the race of a
person that defines them but the actions of the person. Maybe we should remind
them... Now about you not having a people...”

A faint smile played on my lips, “You do now... And you always
will... Now me Engel, if this is not delving too deeply into the past... Tell me
of those who ran you out... If you’re comfortable with it, if not that is
alright too.”

I felt a slight ripple in her mind and she left her eyes closed
as she began to speak slowly, “This is not Allacia’s past but
mine.”

“Who are you?”

Her eyes opened slowly as she answered my question, “I am
Danger, Allacia’s Midnight Sister. Just as Lord Nightmare lives in you KJ, I
live within Allacia.”

I nodded my understanding as she continued, “To save you from
the sob story Allacia and I were born of warring Clans. When the leaders found
out that there was a child who was both Night Elf and Death Warrior my parents
were killed. The leaders could not find us to kill us so they issued an order.
We were exiled for life and if we ever showed ourselves in their lands our lives
were forfeit.”

I looked at her confused as Danger faded back into the darkness
of Allacia’s mind and Allacia came out again, “I am not one with Nightmare. But
the way Danger speaks you two are one. How is this possible?”

She looked up at me and smiled sheepishly, “When Danger was born
she was born with a second consciousness inside of her. Danger allows me control
of our body until she is needed to win a fight or to do something that we cannot
do as a human.”

I looked over at Kari as I sensed her move, suddenly she slapped
Depression on the back of his head, “Ye‘ave to be nicer ‘hen you remin’ people
o’ somethin’ they ‘ave pain bout. Then again…” She held Depression tightly and
buried her head in his neck.

Depression wrapped his arms around her pouting for a moment then
smiled and said with a mock whine,“That
huuuurt.”

John smiled in Kari’s direction then looked at To-huan and
wrapped an arm around her, “Looks like she's about to drag him off to get
hitched. I'm thinking of doin’ the same thing”

To-huan smiled and leaned against his side.

Immortilis looked at Ming and twined his fingers in with her's causing
her to giggle. He smiled and said, “I think we all are.”

I laughed then looked at my girl and hugged her tightly, “Why
they would run out someone so... Beautiful is beyond me. Stupidity is...
contagious. They're right you know, John and Immortilis... I know, WE have to
wait and see, but they already have seen and waited. Not fair. But every moment
we wait will make every moment together that much more... Awesome.” A shudder of
anticipation ran through my body.

She leaned against me lightly for a moment then slipped out of
my arms. I felt her hands on my shoulder from behind then she started to rub
them, “Relax.”

Kari purred with contentment then fell asleep murmuring, “Yur so warm.”

I relaxed obediently as my girl massaged my shoulders gently,
“Be gentle Depression. She LOVES you.”

Depression’s smile widened then he gently started to stroke
Kari's hair.

John moved so he was standing behind To-huan then started to rub
her shoulders, “How’s my werewolf doing?”

To-huan smiled and relaxed under the work of his hands.

Immortilis shyly wrapped his arms around Ming and started to hum
to her.

I smiled and slowly turned to face Allacia then started to trace
her face lightly. My voice was soft and gentle as I tried out a new pet name for
her, “You’re sweet on me Chala. I would kiss you right now if I could... I...” I
smiled even wider and held her close to me. “Hey To-huan, did you bring your
pets?”

To-huan pulled out a whistle and blew into it creating a shrill
note in answer to my question, “They had better come when their mistress calls.
Ah there they are.”

Stephen and Alexis slowly walked up the hill towards us together.

Stephen’s voice was sarcastic when he reached us, “You called?”

To-huan giggled and leaned back against John with her eyes
closed, “I'm good now.”

Stephen looked angry, “If you don't have a reason for calling us
then we'll go back to where we were.”

To-huan’s eyes opened and flashed dangerously, “Stay.”

I whispered in my girl’s ear chuckling, “Cintras with Stephen
and Cissra with Alexis. That is sweet.” I sighed happily and smiled, “Peace has
come for a time. Your hair is a mess again. Can I brush
it?”

My heart soared when I heard her laugh softly then say, “My hair
is always a mess. Yes, you are permitted to brush it.”

I watched as Ming leans into Immortilis smiling happily, then
suddenly I felt Allacia’s head against my chest.

Everything was quiet until Kinow said, “Hey Allacia? The wolves
are coming.”

Add Comment
 
 
Listening to: The sound of my tears falling
Reading:  Nothing
Watching: Myself die
Playing: With nothing
Eating: Nothing
Drinking: Nothing
It has been a couple of months since I have been well enough to share with you more of Danger's story and even now as I sit here writing this I feel the cold sorrow filled emptiness that she must have felt when the man she loved left her never to return. I know in my heart that I must finish what has been started for there to be any hope of this long war having an end. I sense that the more the world knows about Danger, her Clan, KJ, his Council, and all that they did to help the people of not only Earth but of every world and realm that ever existed.
2 Comments
 
 
The gates closed behind us all as KJ led the way down a hallway
to the last door on the right, holding my hand the entire way.
“Welcome to my Wardroom,” he intoned softly as he opened the
door.
The room on the other side was plain and sparsely furnished with
some chairs, a table and a couch. As we walked in I was assailed by a musky
scent coming from the furnishings. I immediately identified the smell as KJ’s
own.
“Hello everyone,” the boy holding my hand
said.
The people in the room, the rest of his Council I assume,
answered with a simple, “Sir.”
KJ looked at me as he introduced his people, “Alright. We have
here in the black armor, John the Black. In the silver, Immortilis. Blue on
silver, Cintra. Silver on blue, Cissra. Fire red, Em.” He paused as Kari and
Mutt walked through the door,“Mutt with his grey armor with a joker on his chest
and Kari all in black with a red Black Widow’s hour glass on her back. Okay all
members but… One are here.”
The Council members all remained silent for a moment to honor
the one they had lost in battle then KJ walked over to the table bringing me
with him. He looked at the map, “Come, gather around. We've made progress. The
Others have been stopped and now it’s time to counter.” As he spoke he pointed
to were the mountain ranges end and traced a slight half circle from one end to
another, “The line is here. The pass is five miles long and two miles wide. The
plan is to take 40 k and split them in to two and send them through the
mountains themselves. The rest of the forces will move and push the Others back
over the boarders, then old blood and guts will take command and strike inland.
Clan and Council will be teamed off, if that is okay with you of course,
Allacia. Each Council member will be assigned to a company and lead that said
company. Advice to the Clan: Respect the men, most of ‘em have faught for 4 days
straight, others for a week. Learn their weapons and tactics and be safe.
Council remember: magiked armor can only with stand so much, be careful, and
remember as well to stay safe. I don't want to lose another
member.”
He looked around at the somber faces watching him then
continued, “Oh basic enemy unit Id: Kuroocks; they look like Uruk-hai smell like
Uruk-hai and for all purposes are Uruk-hai. Blood Angels; they look like and fly
like those vampire things off of Van Helsing. Cragnors; they look like rhinos
but have sharper teeth and claws. Hard to take down; go for the back legs if you
can. Oh, and they aren't as blind. Lesser Named: Ah yes. Demons. Not as powerful
as Greater Named but they look demon like.”
He looked at my Clan, “So Clan, welcome to my hell. Nearly every
day is a fight. I think I'm winning. Now which side is the hard part to figure
out.” He chuckled darkly, “What happens here will affect mind and soul. Of
everyone. I've never asked for help so please don't screw this up. This is a
turning point. Once we have beaten them here... We will finally have chance of
making an offensive. It's been 4 years since the
last.”
His body straightened up, “Now everyone, please come back in one
piece... We do have a birthday to celebrate.” The Council chuckled as he
continued; “Now if you all, including you Clan, please go to the mess and eat
your last meal before this all happens.... I need to speak with my
Beloved.”
Everyone left silently as KJ walked over and sat on the couch,
“Now Luv. What’s eating at you? Even if you were here in the beginning things
would still have been the same.” He got up then walked over and held me close,
“I miss you Engel......How was your trip? It went well I hope.” 
I looked up at his face with concern as it grew tired, he walked
back over and sat on the couch beckoning to me)” Come, sit. I need a break and
I'd like to hear you speak. Makes me happy.”
I walked over and perched on the couch arm nearest to him,
“There is not much to say about my trip. I helped rescue the Humans of the Clan
from Ho-lic and Kil-hote. We also gave the two Vampires homes among us.” I
leaned against him while remaining on the arm of the couch, “I'm fine. It's you
I worried about… This will be hard.” My eyes closed for a moment then reopened
them knowing that they would glow slightly.
“I guess it's time to let my Midnight Sister, Danger, take over
again.” I stood up as I felt my appearance change, my ears lengthened and grew
pointed. Black bat-like wings sprouted from my shoulder blades as my teeth grew
sharper and my eyes and hair change to black. With the transformation complete I
flexed my wings by rolling my shoulders. “I am sorry, didn't mean to startle
you.”
I reached out to him.
Suddenly the door burst open and Ho-lic ran into the room, “The
attack has been sounded.”
I watched KJ with my hand still held towards him, “Shall we
fight?”
A shadow glimmered over his form and armor the color of dark
blood red and brimstone appear. An unsheathed Great sword appeared in his hand,
“This is Nightmare” The helmet’s eyes turned beady red, his breath became
metallic smelling, and his voice sounded demonic, “Time to go loved
one.....Don't worry too much.”
He cackled and his gauntlets sprouted spikes, “Worry about
living and whatever you do... Don't get in front of me.” His hands started to
shake, “I don't want to see you hurt. We must go before it is finished.” 
He ran from the Holdt towards the field and instead of waiting
for the rest of the fighters on our side he leapt into the Others’ front line
hacking and slicing. He fought madly while the sword he carried absorbed all
those lost in the fight to his attack. He laughed crazily and sang, “Nightmare
likes Danger!”
I darted into battle after him as I unsheathed swords, blocking
all attacks and killing all of the enemies that were foolish enough to get in my
way, “This is as good as any day to die.”
Laughing I flipped  over his shoulders and killed who he was about  to.
He growled, “It’s a great day to live... Hmm a Lesser named.
He's mine!” He leapt on a charging Cragnor and lodged his sword between its head
and shoulders then leapt off.
I darted away from the fight for a moment to find a rock to
perch on; I howled calling my people. The Clan joined the fight howling as
several packs of wolves came out of trees to join as well. A few moments later I
had rejoined the fight by jumping onto the back of a Cragnor and stabbing it
multiple times. I dropped a poison into the stab wounds killing the beast then
winced as I felt one of my wolves die.
Depression yelled above the melee, “Kari. Guard my back,” as my
brother leapt into group of demons. “It is time for you to
die!”
Kari laughed rancorously, “Ya got it Babe!”
I flew above the battle and snarled when arrows pierce wings as
I dove down to attack a group of flying vampires.
KJ took a solid strike to the chest then looked at the Other,
“Your contribution will be taken now.”
He killed it then leapt to the Lesser
Named, “You’re mine.”
The Demon spoke tauntingly as it launched an attack, “Prove it
accursed one.”
KJ blocked then struck high to low then left to right. Then he
struck from the lower left up to the high right followed by the lower right to
the high left. Suddenly he brought his sword down from high to low then nailed
the Demon in the throat, “Where is your master!?”
The Demon managed to gargle out, “On the ridge...” Before it
finally died.
KJ looked up at me as I flew above him, “You all right my
love?”
I nodded and he looked to the ridge spotting the Greater Named.
His armor got darker and his eyes redder as his sword glowed with a dark
intensity, “If I can destroy that thing they will be routed and I can let Varren
take over.”
Mutt overheard from his fight nearby, “Don't do anything
stupid... Sir.” Was the only thing he said before returning his attention to his
attacker.
Lord Nightmare stalked towards the ridge taking hits without
noticing and giving hits out at the same. A deathly silence seemed to surround
him as he moved. I heard his voice whisper in my mind, Beloved,
the Nightmare has taken over... Keep the legionaries, our men, away along with
the Council and the Clan. The Nightmare is going to start cutting threads and
absorbing the fallen. I will try to keep myself from causing… I heard a soft
grunt through the connection then, Please keep from his front.
I landed on top of a boulder and  shouted, “Fall
back!”
My voice was either lost in the melee or I was simply just
ignored. I growled softly then created a silver light that came from my body.
Everyone froze and looked at me with fear mixed wonder, “I said fall back. All
of you.”
I waited until my orders were carried out then jumped into air
and flew above my Nightmarish friend, “Nightmare, enough.” 
He didn’t respond so I dropped onto his back suddenly forcing
him to the ground, “Look at me. I said enough.”
I looked up at a slight sound to see the Greater Named Demon
standing close by sneering.
The Demon’s voice was raspy as he taunted, “Nightmare is weak if
his woman can control him.”
I stood slowly, “He isn't weak.”
I leapt across the space between us and attacked the Demon
sinking my fangs into his throat. Suddenly the Demon threw me off and advanced
towards my boy.
Lord Nightmare got up from where I had forced him to the ground
and his armor grew darker, “Demon...”
Mutt came running up completely disregarding my ordered retreat.
“Sir don't do this... We'll see him again in the end. He isn't the ugly bastard
you want remember?”
Lord Nightmare’s voice was hard, “But... I... want... Them...
ALL!”
Mutt tried reasoning with him, “Sir please. Do what your Beloved
has asked. It is enough.”
The Demon shared his opinion laughing with an evil so pure it
seemed as though the very air darkened, “It's never enough. You want more. I
feel it. Come and get me. If you can, Weakling.”
Suddenly Lord Nightmare looked down, “No... You are
Temptation... To kill you would let you win. To let you win would mean that I
have failed. No.”
I growled my agreement and jumped up, pulling out my bow and
nocking an arrow. As I fired I yelled, “Tincya en’ russe tuulo’
moriloomir!”
My arrow split into millions of tiny lightning bolts and struck
the Demon, not enough to kill it but enough to hurt
it.
The Demon backed away and screamed the retreat, “We will see
each other again...” Then the Demon walked away.
Lord Nightmare fell to his knees and removed his helm, “This
will never end Mutt...” A shadow glimmered over his armor then dissipated taking
the armor with it. “Go Mutt. Give Varren command of the army... Then go and see
your family...”
He got up and walked over to me shifting back into his human
form as Mutt moved to obey his orders, “Put it away Luv. It's done... For
now...” His arms came around me in a fierce hug and he whispered with a breaking
voice, “Thank you... You've saved me again.”
The boy shuddered and let me go only to hold my hand smiling;
“Let’s go and see about your wings.”Suddenly he brought my hand up to his lips
and kissed it.
I returned my bow to the quiver slung across my back and pulled
my wings in tight against my back, “My wings are fine. They won't kill
me.”
Shaking my hair out of my face I reclaimed my hand and placed it
against the side of his face, “You are strong. You are NOT
weak.”
2 Comments
 
 
I felt joy sprout in my heart as I walked up to Allacia with
Judgement drawn. I smiled faintly when she looked up at me, “Are you expressing
your sorrow over what has happened here? I didn’t know about this ‘til a day
after ya left. Things are still a little hairy but that’s the cleanup for
ya.”            
I reached down and drew the girl to her feet as much as to hug her as to
get her off of the man she had pinned. I hugged her gently then berated myself,
“I got you all dirty. Bad KJ. Tell me how your trip was? But not here, we got to
get to the holdt first.”            
I noticed that she still had the man pinned with her feet as Mutt spoke,
“Er…What happened?”
           
I didn’t look away from the girl, My girl I mentally corrected myself, as
I answered, “The 4th and 32nd were blocking the pass when they were attacked.
Two divisions against 12. They held them off for three days while I brought up
8th army... Ram’s dead Mutt. Killed by a lesser Named, after he struck a killing
blow of course. High seat tried to withhold forces from me but it didn't work as
he planned. He's been replaced by Hunter. And since Ram was a Council member
guess who gets to fill the spot.”            
Kari was the first to answer, “Ol’ Blood ‘n’
Guts.”         
I nodded slightly, “You got it. John and Immortilis are... ticked. They
know, as everyone else does, that Arvana needs to be placed there but won’t
because she’s a lady-elf. Any way we've nearly broken the back of the Others.
Great way to spend your birthday, eh Widow?”
Kari, aka Widow, smiled, “Wouldnae ‘ant it ana otha
way.”
I beckoned to them all,“Come my Beloved... My friends. Let’s go
see what needs doin’ and do what’s needed.” I chuckled as I started to walk
towards the hold,” I should write a book. Oh. And please let the good sergeant
up. He's been fighting for most the week without
fail.”
As I said this last bit I stopped and turned to watch my
Beloved.
Her voice was utterly calm, “He attacked me.” Then she pulled
her swords away from his neck and sheathed them before reaching down and helping
him up. She darted up to my side and I took her hand in mine
smiling.
Depression came up behind Widow, “Hey Kari. How’s it
going?”
I smiled as Kinow made a face then said, “Great, now him
too.”
Ming brushed past Kinow as if he wasn’t there, “Where’s
Immortilis? Did he get hurt?"
Allacia’s hand squeezed mine slightly, “Surprising how quickly
she recovers.”
There were two new members of my Beloved’s group, both were
vampires. One of them looked around hungrily as he spoke, “Elves aren’t
worthless. Even the female ones.” He looked at my girl slyly, “I mean Allacia IS
half Night Elf…”
I looked down at her in surprise, Half
Night Elf and half Death Warrior? How? The two races hate each other! Although
it does explain her knowledge of the two races.
She was watching the boy calmly but when she spke there was and
unmistakeable warning in her voice,“Kilhote. Be quite.” She looked up at me,
“You don’t want to know.” It was as though she had read my thoughts. Then she
turned to Widow, ”Kari… Happy Birthday.”
To-huan looked around and spoke absently, “We will be glad to
help in any way we can… Now where oh where can John
be?”
The Werewolf darted off looking for him as Kinow watched with
undisguised disgust, “Love sick Werewolf.”
I chuckled to myself as I led them to the holdt. “They’re all
fine,” I declared as the gates opened,“The rest of the Council is in the
Wardroom. Kari, Mutt, go to the armory, your gear is there. The rest of you
please, follow me.”
I led the way, as the gates closed, down to the far end of the
hall to the door of the right,“Welcome to my
Wardroom.”
I opened the door to reveal a room with a few chairs, a table,
and a couch. The musky air reminded me that I had meant to clean this place
up.
I shook my head slightly then walked into the room, “Hello
everyone.”
2 Comments
 
 
A week had passed since I had left KJ to return to my home land
of Insanity to add two Vampires to the Clan. But it was finally finished and I
could return to KJ’s side. Does he miss me as much as I miss him? I wondered as I prepared to teleport back to where I last saw him.             
As soon as I appeared in the clearing I immediately knew he wasn’t there
but I had to try, “KJ?”
Mutt and Kari walked out of the woods. It was those two and no
one else.
Mutt looked at me soberly, “He had to take care of things on
Crucible. Something went wrong Miss Head Honcho lady. When he left he took a
company of soldiers with him then he bumped that company up to a regiment then
that regiment up to a division. What ever happened he didn't want it to get to
as he said ‘The most intimate place of my life.’ Messengers say the battle that
took place was bloody. They say Head Boss man had to become Nightmare. It’s over
now. He's involved in the clean up along with most of the Council and Tribunal.
He told me to tell you he was sorry he couldn't be here when you came. If you
want to see him right now I can take you to him Miss Head Honcho Lady. But I
don't know what state he's in. They Say the Currooks and Cragnors along with
Blood Angels were involved. Those three are a nasty combo. They say the line was
barely held.” 
Kari watched me sadly then looked over at Mutt, “We should take
‘er to ‘im Mutt.” 
“We should Widow. Come with us and if you have questions we'll
answer them along the way. I need to check on my wife and kids Miss Head Honcho
lady.” They both turned and started walking into the forest. Mutt called over
his shoulder, “You comin’?”
I followed the two wraith-like and said with a voice barely
above a whisper, “Stop calling me that. If you want to call me something then
call me by my name. ...He had to call on his Nightmare side? The fight must not
have been going well...” I followed them farther but stayed
silent.
Mutt answered me without looking back, “No ma'am It must not
have.”
Kari’s voice revealed her impatience when she next spoke, “This
is takin’ too long, e must reach em quickly. Open a
rift.”
“He'd kill me you know.”
“No e won't.”
Mutt looked back at me to see me walking with my head hung,
“This is not your fault. This has gone on for nearly a decade. 6 years he’s
fought without takin’ a break. Six years.... He's warred against hisself. No
quarter and no surrender. This was goin’ on long before anyone knew and long
before you. Don’ take me wrong you’re the best thing that has gotten to him.
Ever. No lie. No joke.
Kari stopped walking and turned to face me. With a gentle voice
that didn’t suit her personality she continued what Mutt had been trying to say,
“Don’ think at ye had enathin’ to do wit this. E ‘ave never seen im happier in
all ar days in knoin im. Never ‘as he smiled as much as he does
now.”
I nodded then looked up, “Does he really smile more
now?”
Kari nodded slightly.
Mutt took a staff from the sling on his back and made a slicing
motion through the air in front of him like he was trying to cut it. A slit of
darkness wide enough to fit through appeared as he drew the staff a way, “That,
Allacia, is a rift. Kari lead her through, we don't want KJ’s girl to get lost.
I'll keep the rear.”
Kari walked over to me and took my hand firmly then pulled me
through the rift and into a whole new world, “Welcome to Crucible. See owt ere,
‘tis the CP.”
Mutt put away the staff, “Let’s get agoin’. Don't want to be
late.” He chuckled then started walking to the tent Kari had pointed
out.
I stood almost rooted to the spot I had landed, “Thank you Kari,
but I would not have gotten lost.” I bowed my head again, “Ken, I'm sorry. I did
not know...”
I suddenly sensed movement at my side. Moving with lightning
speed I drew my swords from my back and blocked the attack coming from my side.
“I thought that the fighting was over.”
I kicked the legs out from under my attacker and knelt to lay my
swords across his neck after he fell. My lips lifted in a snarl, “Clan here.
NOW!” The entire clan appeared with their weapons
drawn.


Someone stepped into my line of vision and KJ’s scent stirred
the air. I looked up to see KJ looming over me with his sword
drawn.

2 Comments
 
 
Ming-Lynn slowly stopped crying, “Thanks KJ for what you said.
But do you really think I would be a good catch for anyone?” She smiled as I
nodded then looked over at where Kinow was lying still winded from Kari’s blow,
“He deserved that.”
The girl who held the leashes of the two humans batted her eyes
at John and spoke with a voice that was as coy as her smile, “We don't use
armor. But we do use unoptainium swords. They go through any
armor.”
John looked at her and smiled, “Really? I brought some extra
material. Let’s see how well the sword can stand up to it. If you can get it
through you can hold Soultaker for a while. Deal?”
Allacia murmured just loud enough for me to hear, “To-huan, the
one talking to John the Black, is a werewolf. She was kicked out of her pack so
she made a new pack before she met up with us. The two humans are Alexis and
Stephen and they are her ’pets’.”
I murmured, “Hence the collars. She seems to like John
though.”
The small girl nodded as To-huan stepped forward drawing the
swords on her hips.
Ming-Lynn shifted away from the two of us to look after
Immortilis as he walked into the trees, “He seems
sad.”
Kari watched Depression look her over, “Good ye up. Ye cause any
trouble fer me and I'll end ye. Got it?”
I smiled and turned to watch To-huan attacking the spare bit of
armor with John standing right next to her, “John who’s commin’
next?”
John didn’t even look at me, “I think Mutt is.”
I sighed as I felt Allacia stiffen in my arms, “Oh dear.” I
looked over as Mutt walked out of the forest. “Hey
Mutt!”
Mutt’s face lit up, “’Ey Head Honcho. How’s it goin’?” 
“Good man. Have ya see Immortilis?”
“Yeah man he looks real confused man. Asked him what’s up and he
told me he didn't feel right. I think he crsuin’ on some one man.” He walked
over to Kinow, “Looks like you met the Widow eh?”
Kari looked at Mutt defensively, “He was bein’ cruel te tha’
nice girl o’er there. So I hit im.”She turned back to look at the boy in front
of her then slapped Depression. “I like you. Don't screw it up.”
I looked at the girl who still stood comfortably wrapped in my
arms, “Oh no. Last time she slapped someone like that…” I shook my head. “He
wasn't the same after.” Then I smiled.“This is better than I thought. Everyone
seems happy except Immortilis and Ming... Depression if he keeps this up will
soon follow.” I glanced over at Ming for a moment, “He’s not sad Ming just
confused like Mutt said. He doesn't know what to do at the moment. He doesn't
share his feelings well.”
Ming looked confused herself for a moment, “Why is he confused?”
Her face lit up and she started towards the trees after him, “Maybe I should go
talk to him...”
The human girl with the collar around her neck, Alexis, stepped
in front of Ming, “Leave him Lynn. You don't mess with a guy when he's like
that.”
Allacia suddenly stiffened, “We have to go. Someone is calling
for us.” She looked up at me, her face torn between the need to do her job and
the desire to stay here with me.“I’m sorry. I don’t know how long we will be
gone.”
I leaned down and kissed her forehead, “Take all the time you
need.”
As I straightened back up Allacia and her Clan vanished into
thin air. I looked down at the space in my arms where she stood, “Good luck
Allacia. I'll be prayin’.” Then I looked up at the council that was still there
and yelled, “Mutt get Immortilis and set perimeter. Kari get up that tree and
see who else is out there. John don't worry they'll be back. Go with Mutt and
find your Brother.”
Mutt, Kari, and John all three yelled, “Sir yes sir!” Then ran
to do what I had told them to do.
I looked back to where she had stood and spoke hoping she could
hear me, “God guide you and keep you.”I reached behind me and pulled out
Judgment, “Good hunting and Gottspeed.” Then my voice dropped to a whisper, “Beloved.”

2 Comments
 
 
He chuckled softly as if he knew a joke, “Good. Tend to
Depression if you will.”
They both walked over to my brother’s prone figure with a
“Yessir” called over their shoulders.
I relaxed against KJ as I watched To-huan and her pet humans
join us then I looked up at the boy who still had his arms wrapped around
me.
He was looking at me then smiled before saying, “They, if you
haven't noticed, are totally the same. They’re twins in a way.” His voice
dropped to a conspiring whisper, “I think Immoritilis has a thing for Ming. I
think someone in the council will like Depression, and keep him from getting
too... Hurt. Yes definitely. She's... Let’s say, wiry.”
My voice was not quite a s soft as his was because I knew they
could hear us anyway, “Too bad for Immortilis, Ming-Lynn is totally in love with
Kinow. But they are welcome to fight it out.”
Kinow blanched as he looked at Immortillis’ muscular form, “Hey!
He can have her.”
Ming-Lynn started to sniffle as her face scrunched up then said
tearfully, “But, but.”
She burst into tears and I looked at Kinow with the “If looks
could kill you definitely would be dead” look, “Smooth Kinow,” I stepped away from KJ, he
let go almost reluctantly, and turned towards Ming-Lynn opening my arms. She ran
into my arms and I hugged the girl as she wept. I murmured, “Hush little one.
It's okay. He doesn't know what he just pushed away.”
KJ came up behind me and put a comforting hand on her head, “Hey
its okay. Kinow is just being an idiot. Don't mind him. You’ll be an awesome
catch for someone Ming.”
Kinow looked everywhere but at me or at Immortillis abashed. The
latter was glaring at him, “I didn't think...”
I cut in with a sharp voice, “No, you didn't think.” Then I drew
a deep breath to start chewing out Kinow but I felt KJ’s hand rest on my
shoulder gently so I slowly released the breath.
To-huan had ignored the drama unfolding before her as she stared
at John the Black coyishly, “How heavy is their armor? I think I could get to
like the company.”
Stephen, one of To-huan’s pets, looked at KJ, “We get to meet
the whole Council sir?”
KJ looked at Stephen’s collar curiously, “Yeah you'll be able to
meet the entire Council. They’ll come one at a time.”
I chuckled softly, “I don't think that anyone could keep him out
of trouble. But she is welcome to try.”
He looked at me, “She may not be able to control him but she can
definitely hold her own. Her name is Kari, but we sometimes call her ‘Black
Widow’,” He pointed to the girl who had been with him when we had first escaped,
“Here she comes now. Just don't tick her off... Too late.”
Kari walked into the clearing and went straight over to Kinow
before striking him in the throat, “That, ye bastard, is fer bein’ cruel to the
nice gal over there!” The she walked over to Depression’s still unconscious
form, “This im? Course it is Ah reco’nize ‘im from before.” She looked him over,
“Good job on puttin’ ‘im down Danger. Alright boys I’ll take it from ‘ere.”
Immortilis stood and looked at To-huan, “Our armor is light. It
weighs only 45lbs all together. Since it is made from mithril and dragon skin it
is nearly impenetrable.”
John the Black smiled at To-huan, “We as well, the Council that
is, are the very few who can wield sentient
swords.”
Immortilis then looked over at Ming-Lynn with sympathy as she
continued to cry, “Sir I’ll go make my patrol.”
KJ didn’t even look up,“Fine.” Then he leaned down and whispered
in my ear, “He’s uncomfortable around Ming. Never been that way
before…”
I looked over at Kari tending to Depression, “Don't worry about
him. He's half demon, half elf. He'll heal quickly. Oh look, he's coming
around.”
Depression groaned as he opened his eyes, “That's the last time
I fall for that one.”
“You're lucky you're half demon,” I said then I smiled harshly,
“Otherwise you would still be out cold.”
Depression looked at me with disdain, “I'd rather be half demon
than half Death Warrior like you Allacia.”
 I went rigid despite having KJ’s strong arms around me. Then my voice went cold and deadly as
I poured as much venom into it as I possibly could, “Shut up. I told you never
to bring that up.”
Depression laughed evilly but said nothing as he turned to look
Kari over.
Ming-Lynn slowly stopped crying, “Thanks KJ for what you said.
But do you really think I would be a good catch for anyone?” She smiled as he
nodded then looked over at where Kinow was lying still winded from Kari’s blow,
“He deserved that.”
To-huan batted her eyes at John the Black and spoke with a voice
that was just as coy as her smile, “We don't use armor. But we do use
unoptainium swords. They go through any
armor.”
John the Black looked at To-huan and smiled, “Really? I brought some extra material.
Let’s see how well the sword can stand up to it. If you can get it through you
  can hold Soultaker for a while. Deal?”
2 Comments
 
 
Depression’s voice came from behind Allacia, “I think I am going
be sick.”
I looked up sharply; I had not felt him enter the camp, to see
him leaning against a tree.
Allacia stood quickly and turned to face him before settling
into a fighting stance, “Mayhap taking some of your jealousy out will make you
feel better?”
Depression straightened from where he had been leaning against a
tree, “I’m not jealous.”
Her voice had a dark sarcastic tone to it as she said, “Yeah you
are. You’re jealous because no one would ever express an interest in
you.”
My eye brows raised slightly, I had noticed that when he had
come to my camp to retrieve Allacia the first time he had sneered at every one
of us but Kari. Maybe I should play matchmaker. Kari needs a guy who’ll look after her proper
like.
He growled softly, “That’s it.”
Then he launched himself at her with murder in his eyes. I
stepped forward slightly with the intent of protecting
her.
Allacia darted out of way tauntingly, “You
missed.”
“You moved”, came the enraged retort.
I stepped back sensing that I would just be in the way. Besides,I told myself,
You wanted to know how she fought.
“What do you expect me to just stand here and let you beat me?
Ha! Not on your life. I am nay yer punching bag.”
My eye brows went up slightly. So
she speaks the northern Crucible tongues as well as the common tongue and the
tongue of my enemy. I shook my head slightly as the fight
continued.
“No? Well you look an awful lot like one right now”, yelled
Depression as he tackled Allacia, pinning her arms to the ground with one hand
and repeatedly punching her face with the other.
A girl screamed, “He's gonna to kill her! Please, stop
him!”
I turned to look at the new comer. She was small and slim like
Allacia but her face looked like a feral cat’s accented by cat’s ears on her
head and… I widened my eyes in slight disbelief. And a tail. I moved forward
again only to be stopped by Allacia’s growl.
“Stay out of this”, she said growling as she brought both legs
up and kicked Depression over her head. She stood slowly touching her face as it
swelled slightly, “Ow... You are so dead.”
She tackled Depression then rammed her elbow into his stomach
multiple times before jumping up.
Depression stood up, eyes glowing, and growled, “I'm going to
kill you!”
Allacia’s voice was taunting again, “Don't make a threat you
can't keep”, she said as she jumped up in the air then executed a perfect
crescent kick to Depression’s head.
We both watched as Depression crumpled to the ground
unconscious.
An elf boy stood next to the cat girl looking at Allacia with
amazement in his eyes, “You HAVE to teach me that
one.”
She looked over at me apologetically making me smile. Chuckling
I opened my arms to her, using the movement to beckon her to come to me. With
agonizing slowness she approached then allowed me to fold my arms around
her.
“That was a nice kick”,I murmured into her ear as she slowly
relaxed against me. I rested my cheek against her hair as I continued, “He lets
his anger control him.”
I had kept my voice soft and gentle; I didn’t want to scare her
again. But as I spoke I sent healing energy into her body. She shifted slightly
as she looked up at me before looking at the elf boy and cat girl; but I could
see that the swelling in her face was reducing as her bruises
faded.
Following her gaze I asked, “Who are they?”
“Ming-Lynn and Kinow. Ming-Lynn is a bobcat-lion Anthro and
Kinow is part elf and part human.”
I nodded my understanding as Immortilis and John the Black
walked into our camp. Then I gently tightened my arms around the small girl
leaning against me as they stopped in front of me.
Immortilis was the first to speak, “Hello again Allacia. Are
these two a part of your family?” He looked over at Ming-Lynn and smiled then
looked back at me. “Sir.”
I smiled at him, “How was the walk?”
It was John who answered me, “Fine all is quiet.”
Immortilis was looking at Ming-Lynn again as he said a little
absently, “The rest will come soon.”
I chuckled knowingly, “Good. Tend to Depression if you
will.”
They both walked over to the boy’s prone figure with a “Yessir”
called over their shoulders.
I looked at the girl in my arms and smiled before saying, “They, if you haven't
noticed, are totally the same. They’re twins in a way.” My voice dropped to a
whisper, “I think Immoritilis has a thing for Ming. I think someone in the
council will like Depression, and keep him from getting too... hurt. Yes
definitely. She's..... let’s say, wiry.”
2 Comments
 
 
“What did you do to her?”

That voice was definitely female and under the reproachful tone was the soft crackle of a nearby fire. There was no answer to the question but I knew someone was next to me.

Why am I not dead? I remained physically motionless as I mentally checked inside of myself for major injuries. Everything seems to be in working order… But something is not right. Whatever that thing was, was trying to take my life force. So why do I feel as though it is intertwined with someone else’s?

Suddenly a cool, gentle hand was stroking the side of my face lightly and unbidden KJ’s face showed up in my mind’s eye. I felt a smile play faintly on my lips and my eyes opened slowly. But it was not KJ’s face that greeted me. The creature that tried to kill me knelt next to me and it was he that was stroking my face.

He smiled down at me gently as I watched him coldly.

“Lord Nightmare why don’t you change back before she gets the idea to kill you for whatever you did to her,” came the female voice.

The person, Lord Nightmare, looked up, “She’s frightened enough as it is. If I changed in front of her I would frighten her more. And she would never speak to me again.”

“Since when have you cared about that?”

Lord Nightmare scowled then right before my eyes the demon transformed into KJ. He smiled at me again just as gently as before but this smile was tainted with sadness.

I watched him warily, “What are you?”

He looked down sadly, “I’am a Nightmare. The only one that’s human. If I had known that you were the raven haired creature I attacked then I would’ve restrained me self.”

I wanted to be angry with him, I wanted to hate him. But he looked so sad and vulnerable right then.

I sat up slowly, “I guess we were both lying to each other earlier.”

He chuckled ruefully, “Yeah. So will you tell me who spelled that dagger now?”

I rolled my eyes, “Don’t like secrets do you?”

He looked up at me and flashed a toothy grin, “Nope. It is going to bug me until you tell me who did it and how they did.”

I smiled faintly, “I did, but in the form of my Midnight Sister. She went back to the roots of our powers and used the ancient magic.”

His brow furrowed, “So then what are you?”

It was my turn to look down, “I cannot tell you. I am sorry.”

He lifted my head gently by putting two fingers under my chin the same way he had before. His eyes flashed red for a split second then returned to brown as he watched me softly.

“Why don’t you introduce your friend Lord Nightmare instead of making goo-goo eyes at her,” came the female voice.

I looked over to see that the fire controlling woman was the only other person in the clearing with us.

KJ rolled his eyes saying, “Yes Em.” He chuckled, “Em, this is Allacia. Allacia, this is Em,” He whispered, “Em is a fire faerie.”

I bowed my head in greeting and spoke in the language of my people, “Mae govannen.”

Both Em and KJ stared at me. Em with shock in her eyes and face and KJ with a mild surprise mixed with desire and longing.

Depression’s voice came from behind me, “I think I am going be sick.”

I stood quickly and turned to face him before settling into a fighting stance, “Mayhap taking some of your jealousy out will make you feel better?”

Depression straightened from where he had been leaning against a tree, “I’m not jealous.”

I smiled darkly, “Yeah you are. You’re jealous because no one would ever express an interest in you.”

He growled softly, “That’s it.”

Then he launched himself at me with murder in his eyes.

4 Comments
 
Life 07/04/2011
 
I know I died. Yet I was not dead long. Something came to me and told me that until I finished the account of their lives I would not be able to find peace. So alive again I am. I have much more of their life stories to tell yet I fear that I will not be able to post chapters to here any more. I will however still be posting bits and pieces of it to here. Just not in full chapters at once. I appologize to those of you who care and I am doing the best that I can to get this up for you to read. I ask you to be patient with me a while longe
2 Comments