Xarnya sat by the lake in her favorite spot, overlooking the calm waters, by herself. It had taken her a while to convince Tatsu that she would be safe alone, here by lake Mira, but she finally had some time of contemplation.

Unknown to her though, she was being watched from the shadows of the forest behind her. Ceranda's red eyes looked around the lake, making sure they were indeed alone before creeping silently up behind the Valtera, gleaming black dagger in her paw.

As she came up behind Xarnya, she thrust the dagger down, biting into the flesh of Xarnya's tail tip, and pulling it out, jumping back as Xarnya whipped around with a loud cry of pain.

Teary eyes looked in horror and confusion at the dark xweetok behind her, as she cradled her burning tail. "Why?..." she cried out.

Because you helped decieve me with the shui stone once. I now know you are the Shui Valter... I want you to bring me the stone." Said Ceranda darkly.

Xarnya shook her head, "What makes you think I'll comply?"

Ceranda's eyes glinted evilly as she grinned, "Because I just poisoned you... and you have 5 minutes left before you die, unless I give you the antidote."

Xarnya's eyes opened wide in horror.

The shui stone for your life, Valter." Smirked Ceranda. "You pick...

Saki closed her eyes, silently, as she walked through the brush towards the lake. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Atoron and Rouvor, wondering what Rouvor's motivation was and hoping Atoron was alright, though he'd been feeling horrible lately.

A voice pulled her out of her reverie, as she stopped, her dusk eyes coldly looking out at the lake, overhearing the whole confrontation.

Rage filled her, as she blinked, suddenly leaping out of the brush her sword alight with green energy, logic failing her as she snarled, running toward Ceranda. "Poison is a dirty way to get what you want!" She snarled, the alliance on basis of her surviving the poison fleeting her mind as she slashed viciously at Ceranda.

Saki's outcry was all that saved Ceranda from recieving the full attack of the enraged xweetok, but she twisted away from Saki's slash at the last second, the sword ripping through her cloak.

Xarnya stood there rooted to the spot, hardly understanding Saki's attack, more intent on what Ceranda had just done. She couldn't give her the stone... she couldn't betray the trust of Xirage and the whole forest... even at the cost of her own life.

Ceranda glared at Saki, "So you finally break the pact? Do you not remember that I let you live?" She no longer had her dagger in view, and was concentrating on keeping Saki out of reach, and dodging her attacks. "What I do ad how I do it is my business, and as we speak that girl dies."

Xarnya shuddered slightly. Her tail was numb, and she could feel the numbness crawling up her tail.

A snarl filled Saki's throat as even more viciously than before she struck out, this time in addition to normal sword blows she sliced out full on energy blasts. "I don't care about that pact." She snarled, pausing in her attack and already silently forming a plan to obtain the dagger, and thus, the antidote.

Rage filled her senses again as she thought about the poison. She wouldn't let Xarnya die, no matter what.

Ceranda continued to move away from Saki's attack, untill one finally hit her in the chest, and she flew back from the force, her cloak dropping to the ground before she hit it herself, dazed. No where on her or around her could the dagger be seen.

Xarnya could feel her body numbing, and suddenly reacted when she saw Ceranda fly to the ground and Saki pause in her attack. "Stop!" she cried out to Saki.

To Ceranda she looked at calmly. "I will not give you the stone, if I must die because of that then so be it, but the stone is more important to the forest than I am."

Ceranda shook her head to clear it as she stood, looking intently at Xarnya. She knew she was telling the truth, but her pride would not admit defeat nor would she bite back her threats.

Then so be it, you will die." She said.

Saki glared fully at Ceranda, stopping at Xarnya's order.

It took everything she had not to attack again, rage was still filling her, blinding her common sense. But from the corner of her eye, she suddenly noticed a figure dark and silent creeping up at Ceranda from the bushes behind her.

Saki made no visible note she saw Atoron, but her mind was racing. What was that IDIOT doing? He could get hurt, and if he did that, Saki would never forgive Ceranda or herself.

He...couldn't possibly help...Not when he had no powers except for speed.

She tensed, knowing that something bad would happen soon unless she did something, her cousin was in no shape to fight Ceranda.

Ceranda watched Saki out of the corner of her eye, but was looking intently upon Xarnya.

I believe yo do not wish to kill me really, that you did this only because you thought I'd comply and live." Said Xarnya weakly. The poison was advancing rapidly, and she would soon collapse, her feet numb.

Ceranda twitched slightly, it was true, she didn't like killing if she could prevent it, always had and always would. But she was too proud to admit this, nor would she back down on her threat...

She was concentrated enough to not notice Atoron, but the shadow that was hiding in the forest had seen him, and as they spoke, it moved around the trees towards him. As it grew close enough, it lashed out, pouncing on Ato from the side.

Atoron had seen the shadow as it had seen him, but it was too late to back out without making noise and alerting Ceranda of his presence.

So he had no choice but to stay stone still as he was tackled from the side, and even then he didn't move.

Saki blinked, as she saw something hurl out of the bushes at Atoron.

Ato!" She said, suddenly dashing to the side, towards her cousin and the other figure.

Ceranda turned to look as Saki dashed around her, and saw her shadow on top of Atoron. Then a thud from behind her made her turn to see Xarnya collapse on the floor, her legs unresponsive, as she was breathing shallowly.

Only two more minutes... thought Ceranda, two minutes to decide what to do. At anf the shadow had made a welcome distraction for Saki, but she still didn't know what to do.

The shadow was surprised at the unresponsiveness of his victim, but gleefuly took the opportunity to thrust a hand inside Ato, grasping his soul and starting to tug at it, paying no attention to Saki.

Saki didn't know what was happening, but Atoron was snarling and writhing now, trying his hardest to keep his soul inside. His fur was darkening, for some reason Saki couldn't tell, but she couldn't care at the moment as she screeched in fury, her sword shining with green energy as she charged up, then threw a huge energy blast straight at the shadow, enraged as she continued on that attack with even more, each more angry and vicious than the last.

Atoron was struggling to keep conscious, as something within him he never noticed before was stirring. He couldn't notice at the moment, as he concentrated on keeping his soul inside himself now.

Suddenly realizing the danger her shadow was in, she turned away from Xarnya and shouted "Harminda!" As she spoke, the shadow disappeared, it's grip on Ato gone. But not before Saki's first attack hit it.

Ceranda cried out as the backlash of the attack and the sudden displacement of the shadow made pain burst through her skull, and she grabbed her head in pain, senses numb and mind reeling.

Saki whirled around at Ceranda, narrowing her eyes. "WHAT WAS THAT?!" She yelled, not noticing the changes in her cousin.

She snarled suddenly, still angry, jumping at Ceranda, slashing at her and demanding, "WHERE IS THE ANTIDOTE?!"

Atoron, meanwhile, was curled up and still in shock. An echo of strange yellow wings floated above his back and he was gasping for air, looking down at his darkened fur, strange markings now on his back and tail. What was that? Something had changed within him, stirred, and now he didn't know what, but it was getting hard to see straight, and before he knew it he blacked out.

Ceranda was still clutching her head when Saki slashed her, and she cried out again as a deep gash formed across her shoulder. She fell to the ground gasping in pain. Through fogged eyes she saw Xarnya unconscious a few meters away, pale as death came nearer.

She closed her eyes tightly, This is getting out of hand! She thought desperately. She hadn't imagined things to get this complicated, her shadow had almost taken that xweetok's soul and she was ... about to kill Xarnya...

Saki narrowed her eyes darkly, and said, "Give me the antidote."

She looked backwards at Atoron, but he was fine, except for being unconscious and looking drastically different... Turning back to Ceranda she said, "You will probably never live to see daylight again if Xarnya dies. The forest is very protective of its valters.

They'll prolly kill me anyways now..." She sputtered, "If you don't first."

Ceranda coughed, turning to face Saki. "I suppose it's not worth letting her die uselessly..." She said weakly, and she flicked her right paw and the dagger appeared. She threw it on the ground at Saki's feet, fighting to keep awake.

Saki picked it up in a flourish, running over to Xarnya, fumbling with it until she managed to open the latch, pulling out the antidote and looking at Xarnya, a little confused as how to give it to her. she couldn't remember exactly, did she drink it..?

She shook her head silently, sighed, and figured drinking was her best bet, putting the small vial to Xarnya's mouth, hoping the xweetok would drink it.

As the antidote couched Xarnya's lips, she reflexively licked it, some of the substance running down her toung as sh swallowed. Slowly, she opened her eyes, and color came back to her face. She felt weak, but the numbness was quickly fading. Looking up she saw Saki's worried face, and she smiled weakly. "Thanks."

Ceranda watched, unable to move from where she lay, blood trickling down her shoulder from the gash Saki had gave her, still feeling the side-effects of the blow to her shadow.

Saki stood, her face going relieved for a moment, then cold as she looked over.

She felt strange, seeing as she'd never directly put herself in the forest community, but she said, "I advise you don't come back here with bad intentions again Ceranda. I don't care how much you want our stones."

She looked down upon the xweetok, wondering if she would even live, then looked at Atoron, who was stirring.

Ceranda laughed weakly... "Our stones..." she echoed. "You truly do care for this forest, don't you Saki?" She shuddered, as the pain overwhelmed her and she dropped into unconsciousness.

Xarnya stood, feeling weak but much better. She looked at the bleeding form of Ceranda, and then closing her eyes, as her diamond gem glowed softly, as rain started to fall on Ceranda. Her wounds healed slowly, the blood stopping and torn skin closing slightly.

Xarnya swayed then, as the light went out, and the rain stopped. She couldn't exert more power to heal, but Ceranda would not die from her wounds.

She looked at Saki, "Look after your cousin, I'll take care of Ceranda." she said softly.

Caltoran held the struggling kit in his arms difficultly, trying to keep Tox from hurting himself or Calt.

He looked along the path he was walking on, flailing kit in tow, towards where he knew from memory Xarnya's treehouse was. She raised Vae, correct? Well from what he could tell he wasn't doing the greatest job raising Tox, as the kit was turning into quite the mischief maker.

He stopped, seeing the house finally and walking up, difficultly holding Tox, still flailing for no real reason, in one arm and knocking on the door with his other.

Hello?" He said, a little less boisterous than usual, "Is Xarnya there?

Tatsu looked up from the kitchen table, rushing to the door as Xarnya made a move towards it. "I'll get it" he growled, looking out the window. "Oh... Caltoran." He opened the door on Calt, "Wha..." He saw Tox flailing around, and watched in interest. Xarnya walked up behind him, smiling widely, "Calt! Hi!"

Caltoran gave them both an eloquent grin though he was obviously struggling with the kit.

May I come in, along with my...little friend here?" he asked, being polite in all ways. He didn't want to intrude on them.

Tox paused in his lashing out to peer at Tatsu and Xarnya, then a wicked grin crossed his face as he held out his paws to them, and before Caltoran could stop him, ice cold water splashed at the two, harmless except for discomfort.

TOX." Caltoran said, exasperated, as the kit began to struggle again. "Ah, very, very sorry!" He said to them, "I seem to be a bit...lacking in the proper ways of raising a kit correctly. Seeing as he annoys everyone else, and me to a lesser degree.

The irony in his voice was plain as he attempted to hold Tox still.

Tatsu had taken most of the blast of water, being in front of Xarnya, and he glared daggers at Tox, as he stood aside to let them in. Xarnya however came up, and promptly grabbed Tox from Calt's grasp, a very serious disapproving frown on her face as she grasped him and then practically slamemd him onto a seat. "That is something VERY rude to do to others, specially inside a house." She scolded him loudly. Even Tatsu winced and backed up a few paces.

Caltoran was a bit flustered by it all, surprised, but watched nevertheless, walking in, and apologizing again to Tatsu.

Tox merely stuck his tongue out at Xarnya, and said, "I dun' care. Not my probl'm.

Caltoran put a paw to his forehead in exasperation. He couldn't know why Tox had become such a nuisance.

Oh, I see, not your problem, I see?" She said darkly. Her gem flashed for a second and suddenly Tox was completly soaked in ice cold water. Tatsu's mouth gaped. "Thank goodness she didn't have these powers whe I was a kid..." he said.

Caltoran stared, blinking. He couldn't really punish Tox that way, his ice would hurt and paralyze. But a part of him found it a bit amusing, though he paid it no note, observing.

Tox snarled as the water hit him, and he broke into a flail as he yelled, "WITCH! EVIL OLD HAG!

He kicked his feet, then got in a position to jump, though not exactly showing where, a devilish grin on his face as suddenly he leapt to the nearest glass thing, his bound being very long, and promptly knocked it over.

Tatsu?" Said Xarnya, without moving. Tatsu had already made a vine grab the vase, and another grab hold of Tox's hind leg, leaving him dangling from one leg. Xarnya sighed, watching him, "He's very feisty, I'd say as troublesome as all three of my charges." She commented to Caltoran. Then she walked over to Tox and promptly slapped him in the face.

Listen, Tox. Everything you do in life has a consecuence, for every action there is a reaction. If you do something that bothers other people you will end up being bothered. If you hurt others, you will be hurt yourself. And if you are nice to others, others will be nice to you. What goes around comes around. What goes up has to go down." As she said this, the vine let go of Tox.

Tox fell to the floor, crumpling in a glowering heap, glaring daggers at Xarnya.

He said nothing, thinking his resentment was enough in proof that he strongly disliked her and Tatsu.

Looking over, he quickly got up and dashed over to Caltoran, leaping up onto the xweetok and clinging to his fur.

She hurt me!" He yelled, his voice a disharmonic wail.

Caltoran blinked, then sighed, and said, "Did you listen to her? She was right. You need to take responsibility.

With the knowledge that his father figure had sided with that horrible xweetok, Tox, snarled, and then turned back to mourning, letting out a long screeching wail and clinging to Caltoran's fur.

Calt finally got a hold on himself, and shook off the cub, then looking straight at him with a fierceness not accustomed to him. "Don't do that." He said, and though his voice was smooth, it was still commanding.

Xarnya was smiling now as she looked at Calt with the cub, shaking her head slowly. From the room on that floor, a dark purple haired head poked out, looking slightly groggy and rumpled. "What's going on out here?" Asked a grumpy looking Ceranda.

Xarnya turned around slightly, laughing, "Kit training, I'm afraid. Sorry for waking you..." she said lightly. Ceranda eyed the reason she had waken warily. "Kits...." she muttered, remembering Ciair.

Caltoran picked up Tox in a flourish, who had admitted defeat, though grudgingly.

Thank you," He said, to Xarnya, then looked at Ceranda, and said, "I'm sorry I awoke you. I don't believe we've met.

Tox glared visibly at Ceranda, and muttered crossly, "I hope I disrupted her. She's ugly.

Ceranda scowled, but the look Tatsu was giving her made her keep quiet and not respond to the kit's taunt. "I'm Ceranda, Xarnya's prisoner and patient." she replied.

Xarnya walked towards the kitchen now, saying "I have some cookies around here somewhere, but only kits who don't whine and behave themselves can eat them..." she said airily. Ceranda walked into the room, slightly limping, a bandage on her left shoulderblade and no cloak around her back, her demon wings in full view. "Does that mean I can have some then?" Xarnya looekd at her intently, "Hum.... I don't think you've been all that good..." Tatsu was glaring at her actually. "...but I suppose you have been behaving better today." Ceranda stuck her tounge out at Tatsu.

Caltoran watched them a bit with some confusion, but brushed it aside, as he said, "I am Caltoran. I think I'm pleased to meet you. Perhaps.

He laughed, dryly, but was interrupted as Tox called out for Xarnya, "Can I have some?!" He loved cookies, a rare treat since Caltoran couldn't cook, and the only time he'd gotten some was when Xirage ordered a pack for them when he was younger from the PDS.

Caltoran, though, gave the kit a stern look, and Tox huffed angrily and added, "Please?

Hummm... I don't know.... I don't think you've been behaving yourself, and I don't usually give my special cookies to those who call me old hag..." Said Xarnya airily, looking deliberately slowly around the kitchen for the cookies.

Tatsu had walked up behind Caltoran, eyes on Ceranda at all times. "She tried to kill Xarnya two days ago." He muttered so only Calt could hear, nodding at Ceranda, who had taken a seat by the table.

She-..." Caltoran murmered back, his eyes wide, blinking in shock. Murder? Xarnya? He shook his head quickly, relieved she wasn't murdered. Why would this xweetok do that...?

Tox squirmed, and looked at Caltoran then at Xarnya. "I didn't mean it!" He said, then added, "I got angry, the vine thing hurt!" Caltoran couldn't tell if the kit was lying or not, as he looked down at Tox.

Tatsu just nodded slightly, "Ceranda would have died then and there, after relenting, but Xarnya healed her. She's still wounded and weak because Xarnya wasn't able to use her powers fully." By this time Ceranda had noticed Tatsu murmuring behind her back, and she sighed slightly. She didn't say anything though, instead eyeing Tox squirming for the cookies.

Xarnya then grinned "Aha! Here they are!" She said triunfantly, taking out a cookie jar and putting it on the table. She took out a plate and placed a small mountain of cookies on it, then placed the plate on the table, where Ceranda took one immediately. Xarnya smiled at Tox, "Promise to be good then?" she said amiably.

Caltoran noticed Ceranda noticed, and merely nodded to Tatsu, advancing to the table with Tox, who was eagerly nodding, so much so he was getting dizzy. Cookies were a rare treat for him.

He took one, and ate it slowly, grinning the whole time. Caltoran set the kit down, a little surprised by his sudden change of demeanor, and watching as Tox happily took another cookie.

Xarnya laughed watching Toxx eat the cookies. "What's been difficult for you Calt is your lack of rewards." she winked at Tox. "I bet he'd love to come over more often though, I always have cookies for well-behaved boys."

The shadowy figure hiding in the trees felt angry. It's encounter the other day with Saki had left it sore, and he felt disappointed in Ceranda's lack of confidence. Then again, he had been careless when trying to steal Ato's soul.

He was hungry, and would search once more for a tasty soul to eat, hoping that this time he would not blunder into any light-weilding xweetok like the first time.

Xorren raced through the forest, looking back and forth. "Where is she...?" He muttered under his breath repeatedly. He stopped in his tracks, perking his ears suddenly.

A small rustle nearby caught his attention. Could it be Ciair...? He bounded over, nudging the underbrush. A squeak came out from it, a small brown animal running away right after. Ciair wasn't there...where could she be? He continued looking hopelessly.

As the shadow prowled the forest, it caught sight of a small plushie-like object that moved. It was small enough to be a kit... but he could sense it's soul, so it wasn't a plushie....

As it crept upon her, he licked his lips in anticipation.

Ciair twitched, looking around. Her stiff legs were trembling slightly and felt as if they were going to collapse right under her. "X-Xowwen?" She whimpered helplessly, padding a few steps ahead. "Where'd you go....?

The shadow smiled to itself, she was alone, defenseless... He looked around... and then shot out, striking with his insubstantial arm, that passed through Ciair's form to grasp her soul, beggining to twist it, trying to pull it out.

Ciair shrieked, flailing about and falling to the ground. She shook her head, yelling, "Lemme go!! Lemme gooo!!!"

Xorren heard the kit's cries, bounding up to where she was. "Ciair!" He shouted, racing up to help her but not knowing how.

The shadow looked up, not letting go of Ciair's soul, as he wrenched it again, trying to make it leave her body. He snarled at Xorren. He was a shadow, insubstantial and inky black, one hand thrust inside Ciair's writhing body, red eyes glinting at Xorren.

Xowwen!!" Ciair begged. "Hewwwlp!!!!!" With a jerk of her small body she gasped, lying flat ground and appearing dead.

No!!" Xorren yelled. "Ciair!" He raced up to her, eyes darting back and forth. Ciair wasn't moving...she couldn't be dead! He had seen two xweetoks die in less than three days...Now the list was one xweetok longer, and of all of the ones that could be on it...a helpless kit!

Atoron was silent as he walked through the forest, his emotions still out of sorts.

What had happened the other day? Had he used his powers or not? Everything was still a little confusing, but a yell brought him back to the present, and he began to run towards the shadow and Ciair, stopping cold when he saw the shadow.

Y-YOU!" He yelled, snarling, looking at Ciair, fear replacing his fury. Had she...?

With a last wrench it finally came loose, as ciair dropped to the floor, a whispy light colroed insubstancial thing floated above her, in the shadow's grasp. The shadow darted backwards, away from Xorren as he brought the soul to his mouth, and after inhaling it's fragrance, swallowed it, licking his lips. The shadow grinned at Xorren, should he eat his soul too? he thought.

Tears welled up in his eyes, nearly bursting with fury and sorrow. "Ciair..." He murmured, then looked at the shadow. "/You.../" He growled lowly, fur bristling as a tear fell from his eye.

The shadow had seen Atoron behind Xorren, and hesitated. That was he xweetok he had attacked the other day, but now he looked different -tastier- than before... and he wasn't protected by that other winged xweetok that had attacked him...

Atoron too held a look of fury on his face, only his more acute. The very shadow that had nearly killed him had killed another...A kit no less.

He recalled meeting her in the forest. She wanted to be Aventi.

He snarled even deeper, rage now full.

The air around the clearing became very hot, for no reason, and right behind the shadow a bush suddenly lit on fire, the flames shooting out at the shadow, as Atoron continued an enraged glare at it, and his wings began to glow.

The shadow winced as it felt the fire burst out behind it, and as the flames lapped at his back he jumped away, towarsd Xorren and Ato. But Xorren was closer, and he lashed out at the Valter, striking towards his neck, thinking of grabbing on to Xorren's soul.

Ato saw that shadow move, and burst into action, flinging himself in front of Xorren, and snarling, flames bursting out of the ground around the shadow.

You don't deserve to EXIST for killing an innocent kit!" he said, snarling.

Xorren jumped back, snarling and cringing at the same time. He yowled, thrashing his front paws madly (at either the shadow or Ato...) as a harsh wind tore through the trees.

Meanwhile, a dusty red xweetok pounced out near the fire, his brown eyes glistening. He also snarled, though he didn't know exactly what was going on. Someone had made fire...He would find out who. But he was snapped back to reality when he saw a shadow attacking another xweetok, and another jumping in the way.. His eyes widened and he took a step back.

Ato's interception made the strike hit Ato instead, but the shadow wailed and flew back as the flames erupted from the ground, encircling him, and keping him away from Ato and Xorren. It shrieked in agony at the light and heat from the flames, twisting around in search of a way to escape the flames.

=====

Ceranda thrashed in her sleep, sweat pouring from her brows, she felt as if she was burning.

Xarnya sat beside the bed, worriedly trying to ease the restless xweetok, not knowing what was wrong with her.

Xorren backed away, staring in awe at the fire burning everywhere. He retracted his claws, breathing heavily. What was Ato /doing/?

Teluhan also watched. So, there were fire xweetoks in the forest, as he had been told? It seemed to have been coming from the xweetok who was being attacked by the shadow...

Ato narrowed his eyes at the shadow, and the air around where it went became hotter than before, burning, so Ato didn't have to use fire. He didn't mean to use it...But it was tiring.

What...was happening anyway?

HE only saw red, and anger, and then he knew it was hot and fire was around, and he was causing it. But the noises... What was happening?

In the bush a small figure, kit's stature, watched with glistening dusk colored eyes. What was this?

The shadow grew more agitated, lashing out, trying to wave the fire and heat away, without much effect. It already seemed diminished, as if the heat, flames and light had eaten at it's being, making it smaller.

====

Ceranda's eyes snapped open, as she lurched forward into a sitting position. "NO!" She cried out, panting. She turned, trying to get out of the bed she was in, but Xarnya pushed her back, "Where do you think you're going?" she said.

I have to go... he'll be destroyed..."

Who?" Xarnya looked alarmed now, as Ceranda pushed past her and shot towards the door.

Outside the room Tatsu had bounded down from the second floor to see Ceranda sprinting for the door. "Not so fast..." he grunted, as vines grabbed Ceranda, keeping her from leaving.

Atoron jumped back, a reflex to something he didn't know, but in actuality was the shadow. He narrowed his eyes, and suddenly from under the shadow, a pillar of fire flamed up, large, then fell. Atoron stood still for a moment, before collapsing quietly.

A loud wailing sound emitted from the shadow as the flames engulfed it, then it was gone, destroyed by the pillar of fire. And it was silent again.

====

Ceranda thrashed out against the containing vines, then suddenly cried out in pain, her whole form glowing a light purple for a few seconds, then she collapsed, unconscious.

Tatsu released the vines, and stared at her, as Xarnya walked forward. "What happened?"

Tatsu walked up beside her, "I have no idea..."

Xarnya was in the room where Tatsu had brought Ceranda again, looking after the unconscious xweetok. Ceranda was pale, and her breathing shallow, and for some reason, Xarnya's healing magic had no effect on the suffering xweetok.

Tatsu stood by the window beside the door, looking out into the twilight, as rain started falling, lending a gloomy aspect to the trees outside.

He sighed, turning around and entering Ceranda's room. "What are you gonna do with her?" he asked.

Xarnya shook her head, "I don't know, I can't help her, I have no idea what happened, and she's worse than before. If this continues she won't even survive till Xirage decides her scentence."

Tatsu looked down at the darigan xweetok, "Maybe that's all the better."

Don't say that Tatsu, no one deserves to die." Said Xarnya softly.

Ceranda lay alseep in the bed that usually had Vaetur. Tatsu looked down on her disapprovingly before walking out of the room. In the kitchen Xarnya cleaned up the rests of dinner, Vaetur and Azrai upstairs getting into bed.

Tatsu sat at the kitchen table, sighing. "She's coming over today?" He asked gruffly.

Xarnya nodded, "Yes. We can't wait any longer, and I think Ceranda's ready. She's still weak, but she is't hurt in any way. I think her problem is more psycological. She's... she feels bad about what she's done."

Tatsu snorted. "I can't believe that."

====

Ceranda opened her eyes as Tatsu left, looking at the ceiling. She could hear them talking outside her room, and she sighed softly. So Xirage would be coming today...

Slowly, she sat up, swinging out of the bed, arching her wings to stretch them as she looked at the door. She had thought of feigning amnesia after she woke from the blow of the destruction of her shadow, but had finally decided to just confront the actions she had done... and those she had unleashed unknowlingly.

She frowned. She hadn't expected her shadow to actually kill a xweetok, and she knew that would lay heavily on her. But... she wasn't the first xweetok to be responsible for a murder in the forest... what weighed more on her was her attempt on Xarnya. Saki had said so, hadn't she?

This forest was very protective of it's valters...

Xirage stepped up to the door to the treehouse, her gaze unfaltering and silent as she raised her paw, knocking steadily on the door.

Behind her was Venoru, serving as her gaurdian since Ato couldn't face Ceranda without doing something rash. Xirage's feelings themselves were mixed and turbulent as she stared at the door, meshing rage with sadness and confusion, all edging near the fear at how truly vulnerable the Valters were. And at these times, they were the ones the Forest needed most.

Ceranda's heart thmped loudly when she heard the knock on the door. That must be Xirage, she though, swallowing hard, as she stood, walking to the doorway of the room she was in, looking out, as Tatsu opened the main door, and nodded at the two figures without. He moved, letting them inside. Ceranda looked -disallowed_word-or as alone as she got now...) to one side, eyeing the others. She yawned, it had been quite an uneventful march really, but the tenseness of the day and the things that had happened the night before made her tired.

Quenaii walked around looking at all the small groups then seeing Ceranda she walked over towards her "Hey, How are you doing?" She asked.

Irzoile of course stuck close to Ceranda,eyeing the surrounding areas.It was going to take forever to get where they needed to be at this rate and Xaylyia was getting worse.-

Ceranda nodded, "I'm fine, more tired than I'm ready to admit openly, must be the stress of it all, but fine all the same." She glanced sideways at irzoile, "I'm also not used to spending so much time with so many xweetoks close by...."

Quenaii chuckled "Ya thats a little easy to tell." She then sighed "Ceranda there is something I want to ask you..."

Irzoile was too absorbed in making sure no uninvited guests appeared to hear Ceranda's comment.But,when Quenaii spoke up his ears twitched and he turned.-

Ceranda blinked, studying at Quenaii, "Ask? Yeah, sure, ask away..." She said, curiously.

You see, through all of this you have been helping everyone stay safe, and you are also one of the ones who helped get all the straglers back to the main group before we where attacked again...so what I'm trying to say is...Would you want to become Azar Deacon?" She asked

Ceranda's eyes bulged open in surprise, then she laughed loudly. "What? Me? Azar deacon? That's..." she wiped a tear from her eye, "You're kidding me right? This is a joke, to cheer me up?"

Quenaii sighed shaking her head "Nope...I'm serious"

Irzoile smirked at the fact that he wasn't the only one who recognized her good deeds but his eyes widened at Quenaii asking her to become a deacon.-"What an honor.."

Ceranda sobered up when she saw Quenaii's -disallowed_word-XD) and he knew he wouldn't miss,something inside told him he could do it,that weird feeling.

Ceranda had stopped moving, her breathing almost non-existant now, and she was deathly pale. Xarnya looked at the blade, "How... how can that dagger heal the poison?" She said, but, it was Ceranda's only hope. "We have to try..."

Venoru handed Irzoile the dagger, and said, "Be swift."

He backed away, pain creasing his face.

They were furious. Horrified. The shadow realm...

They screeched in his ears loudly, but he struggled to watch the scene normally.

Irzoile smiled seeing that Venoru trusted him to do such a task.Holding the dagger above Ceranda's chest he took a deep breath and prayed he'd hit his mark.Looking down he thrust the dagger into her chest, not too hard but hard enough to pierce the skin.From there he let his gut guide him,Ena had shown him books on anatomy in case he needed to be of assistance in healing.Soon the dagger hit her heart,breathing calmly he waited for the purifying to begin,his heart felt as if it was in his throat.

As the blade pierced Ceranda's heard the gem on the hilt shone brightly, and from around the spot where it had entered a dark purple thick liquid started treakling out. Irzo backed off, letting go of the dagger, staring. The liquid came out rapidly, then seemed to crawl up the hilt, and the gem shone more, as it absorbed it all. As the trickle died down, the dagger slipped out of Ceranda's chest, and as it finally exited her body completely, it fell to the ground. The blade was spotless silver, and there was no mark where it had been thrust into Ceranda's chest.

Ceranda lay, eyes closed, and very pale, but her breathing became stronger now, more calmer.

Saki glanced over.

Well look at that...

She looked away, smiling slightly, in relief.

Venoru took a deep breath, but winced largely. In the air around him even, an echo of screeches could be heard as he grasped his head, growling lowly.

*You. You. why, Gatekeeper?! Why did you go into that accursed realm?!?! HE used to go there, and couldn't speak with us, and associated with THEM!!! And now YOU, YOU, YOU ARE DOING IT! are you going to BECOME him?!*

They were screeching that main thought, only more frantic and furious, he couldn't hear anything.

Irzoile's heart raced as every happened so quickly,the feeling was overwhelming.Looking away from the others he put his paw on his own heart,it hurt so badly.Taking a deep breath he watched Ceranda's breathing return to normal,it saved her,he hoped.Irzoile head began to feel heavy from the strain hi heart put on him and the lack of sleep,he backed away from the others alittle more.

Ceranda lay, apparently peacefully asleep. *I'm alive...* she thought. *They actually managed to save me?* -You managed to let them help you. Even lending your jewel to the Gatekeeper.- came a voice.

*Who?* She thought, surprised.

-I am Azoth, the dagger that saved you. We've bonded, through blood and contact.- The voice said. -You have a lot to learn still, Tamer of Shadows, but you were lucky to find me at this time.... now wake up, the rest are still worried, specially that starry fellow, the one that had the guts to plung me into your heart.-

*He what???* Thought Ceranda... *Oh nice,I'm gonna wake up to a lot of smiling, relieved faces, right?*

-Pretty much so, yes.-

*I hate that...* Ceranda scowled, the scowl not only in her mind, as she opened one eye, looking around her.

Saki looked over now, her face straight.

That looked painful. Was it?" She inquired, walking over, looking more relaxed though a scowl was still upon her face.

Venoru closed his eyes, backing away into the forest, away from everyone else, trying to get through to Unreality, without it screeching his voice away. He was afraid to open it...But they wouldn't listen otherwise.

Irzoile was relieved but no smile crept across his face,still the pain in his heart bothered him.Shaking the look from his face he smirked then sighed,he'd let the others comment and do whatever they had to do before he'd go check on her,he could wait.

Ceranda propped herself up, looking at Saki finally, "No... acutally it was quite soothing after the nightmareish pain from the poison..." She said smirking. She sat up, looking at the dagger, then picking it up, smiling slightly, "Azoth..."

-Yeah, just go ahead and scream the name why don't you?- said the voice in her head. Ceranda chuckled. She looked up then, towards Irzoile. "...thanks Irzo..." she said softly.

xarnya had seen Venoru's pained expression as he walked away from them, she followed him with a worried expression, "Venoru? Are you ok?"

Irzoile smiled then playfully glared at her.-"Are you giving me a nickname or something?Just because I helped save your life doesn't mean you can shorten my name.."-He said trying to act like he was only trying to repay his debt he owed her.But then his face softened seeing she was alright.

Venoru shook his head fercely, the screeching growing, now clearly audible though not as loud as he felt it.

He flew his head up, eyes wild as he screeched, "SILENCE!!!!"

He snarled, getting up, backing into a tree, looking more disheveled than he had in a while...They...were entering his mind....

He closed his eyes and clawed into the tree, muttering, "Go away. Rhio. Come here...."

Rhio blinked, then crept over. "Daddy, are you okay?"

Open your Unreality."

She nodded, opening a small portal.

Ceranda grinned at him "Aww but I like Irzo... you can call me Sera if you want then, would that make you feel better?" She kidded back.

-The Gatekeeper seems to be having a hard time because of his tresspass... and he still holds your clasp.- Ceranda looked over her shoulder, where she had heard Venoru cry out. She stood, walking forward slightly, "Venoru...?" *He's Gatekeeper? Of what?*

-Unreality... the portal the girl opened leads to it.-

*I've... seen him open portals before, and some creatures come out...* She looked on, *Is it because he entered Shadow Realm?*

-Yes, I'm afraid both don't mix well...-

Xarnya backed off, looking at father and daughter in worry, not understanding anything. Ceranda walked up to her, "You'd better stand back." she said softly. Xarnya nodded, moving away from Venoru.

Irzoile rolled his eyes and walked next to her,sitting he sighed.-"Fine../Sera/"He said smiling,hearing Venoru's cry he rose an eyebrow.-"What's wrong with him?"

Venoru looked wild as he opened Unreality, and a deafening screech filled the air as they flooded out, then bounced back and swirled around Venoru.

He stared at the ground, and whispered, "Rhio let yours calm them..."

Rhio nodded, and spoke gently into her portal, that was filled with softer colors. It came out quietly, then flew into the swirling mass of Unreality creatures, and they calmed slightly.

Venoru spoke in a strange echoing voice, "I had to do it to save someone."

A garbled screech came out from the creatures as they still swirled, furious.

One of them froze, then bounced to the ground and eyed Ceranda's dagger dangerously. It had heard thought communication. It could sense it.

The creatures snarled, and Venoru winced suddenly, falling to his knees.

STOP THAT!" He screeched, closing his eyes. Something..In his mind....The feeling was so horrible, so unreal, it made him recall Khyzor...

Ceranda backed off, holding Azoth away from the creature that looked at it. *I don't like this....* She thought. *They burnt me once before...*

-Yes, if memory does not fail me, Unreality is stronger than shadows, but they still repel each other mutually. They are mostly angry that the Gatekeeper can somehow command both.- The dagger's voice in Ceranda's head was steady, as if not worried at all about what was happening.

Irzoile glared at the creature that eyed Ceranda.-"Stay away.."-He snarled, he was not about to let her get hurt again.

The creature looked at Irzoile, walking closely to him, and snarling out a strange sound, before suddenly him and all the creatures were sucked back into the portal, and it closed, leaving Venoru closing his eyes and wincing as he held his head, Rhio next to him.

She blinked, hearing a faint noise. She loked back to her portal and closed it silently, before saying, "Daddy are you okay? Why were they angry?"

Venoru said nothing, silent.

I... I'm sorry Venoru..." Ceranda said softly, "I didn't know you'd get into so much trouble for.. helping me out." She looked at Venoru, this was why she hated depending on others.... she thought.

-You would have died if he hadn't gone.- The voice reminded her.

Venoru said nothing again, speaking to Unreality.

He winced, and said to her, "I did it on my own will. I would not let you die if I could help it."

He looked up, into nothing, and hissed, "I. Am. Not. KHYZOR!"

He snarled and threw his arm charged with Unreality into the tree, closing his eyes.

Unreality calmed. They got the point, if it did take a while, but they were still extremely unhapppy.

Irzoile sighed,too much action for one day.But once again he refused to sleep.-"You should get some rest.."-He told Ceranda as he watched Venoru.

-The starry one is correct.- Azoth said, -You may have been cured of the poison, but you have battled against it for long hours, your body needs real rest now.-

Ceranda nodded, walking towards Venoru, "Thank you then... " she bit her lip, "I... I'm in your debt."

Venoru looked calmer, as he said, "You are the deacon of my clan. You owe me no debt."

He turned, picking up Rhio who was yawning, and returning to Xirage, who had watched and was now smiling at them, glad it turned out okay. She would've made things worse if she had interfered, stressed them out. And she couldn't help anyway...

Saki laughed, "Well well well. Its a good thing I'm not Lune Azar."

She turned, and looked at Ceranda for a moment, before saying, grudgingly, "I'm glad you lived."

She turned, and walked to Rou and Mara, softly petting her petpet.

Ceranda nodded slightly, still not used to the fact she was deacon, but deciding she had to accept what it meant. She looked past Venoru at the smiling Xirage, and smiled slightly in salute. Then she heard Saki. Grinning, she turned to look at her, blinking at her comment. *I suppose I was wrong to think no one would miss me... selfish, in a way.* she thought.

-Yes... there are many here who would have felt and mourned your death.- Azoth replied, -For realizing that I think you have matured some already.- The voice chuckled, -Your enemy did you a great favor in trying to kill you, but the Dark one will come back when she learns you survived.-

Ceranda nodded, *I know... but I'll be waiting for her... and ready...* Her red eyes glinted darkly, as she flicked her wrist, and the silver dagger disappeared from her hand.

Venoru turned, and said "Ceranda."

He threw the clasp towards her, and murmered, "They do not like me holding it."

Saki smirked as she glanced over at Venoru, "I had thought maybe you intended to steal it." Her voice was teasing.

Venoru said nothing, sitting down, staring off into the distance.

Ceranda grinned, easily catching the clasp and fixing it to her cloak once more, hidden again beneath her mane. "Thanks, it fits me better anyways." She said. She walked over to Irzoile, yawning slightly, "I know it's broad daylight, but I'm so tired, I think I'll take a nap..." she said, plopping down closer to him than she usually had untill now. She smiled slightly, and was soon asleep.

Revelations from the Past

Quenaii heared him sighing a little but just walking over to Ceranda "Hey" She said quietly.

Ceranda had seen her walking over, "Hey yourself. You look better than yesterday." She commented.

Quenaii chuckled a little "Um...Ya thanks" She said.

Ceranda didn't really smile much as she flexed her wings and sighed. "Who was that you were talking to anyways? I don't think I've noticed him much."

His name is Swerr, But ya I havn't really noticed him much eather" Quenaii said glansing back at him.

She nodded, "I see... silent little fellow." She commented.

Ya" She then looked back at Ceranda "How are you doing?" She asked.

I'm fine, just a little tired. Things have been stressful, considering we haven't had to worry much about the shadows lately." She said sighing. The group was moving only slowly, a bit each day, but they were clsoe to the canyons by now, another few days and they'd be out of the jungle, and the safety of it's trees.

Quenaii nodded "Ya thats true." She then looked down at the ground trying to figure out if she should tell Ceranda or not.

Ceranda eyed her inquisitively. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Um..." Quenaii sighed guessing she sould atleast have Ceranda know now...soon enought she would know anyways. "Remember when you had been poisoned? Irzoile and I had ran into the forest after Penja..."

Ceranda nodded, frowning, "Yeeees, and you... got the info on where to find the antidote from her..." She frowned darkly, "What did she do?"

Quenaii sighed again, "When I was chasing after her she threw a dart at me...it had the demon poison at the tip"

What?!" Ceranda hissed, standing, "And you didn't tell me anything? You've been... all this time?"

Quenaii sighed again "Relax, it wasn't enough to kill me. It just made me tired for a few days. I'm fine now. I just thought it would be better for you to hear it from me then from someone else later"

Ceranda sat grumbling "You didn't say anything either." under her breath. -Like she said, she's fine and I wasn't gonna go nosing about into affairs she didn't want to tell you.- Ceranda sighed, "Well i'm glad you're ok then... and sorry to have dragged you into troubles of my own."

Quenaii shrugged "Its fine, If I hadn't gone you would have died" She said then smirking.

Ceranda smirked too, "True... and we don't want the new deacon dying on her first night on the job, right?"

Quenaii laughed a little "Thats true. Its still amazing how long you were able to fight it."

Ceranda nodded, "It's my regeneration powers." She said offhandedly.

What ever power you had its good you had it" She said then grinning. She then looked back into the forest, "Once Penja finds out you are still alive..."

Ceranda winced. "I wish I knew why she's so bloody intent on killing me. Yeah, I know more about her than anyone out there, but I can't do her any harm if I stay in the forest as deacon, so why bother?"

Is there something you have that she has wanted?" Quenaii asked.

She shrugged, "Not that I know... unless she wanted Ginnung, but she could have taken th... no she can't take the dagger from me even if she chloroformed me..." He frowned, "But killing me won't get her Ginnung either."

Ginnung?" Quenaii asked a little confused.

Ceranda nodded, "My poison dagger." She said. "I keep my daggers and most of my thing hidden in a shadow pocket of sorts that only I can access. So she can't get them unless she kills me in battle, when I have them out. So that can't possibly be what she's after."

Quenaii sighed "There has to be something..." She muttered.

-She is following orders from someone else.- Ceranda blinked. "WHat?" She said aloud, out of surprise.

What is it?" Quenaii asked confused by the sudden outburst.

I ... didn't mean to say that aloud..." She frowned. *What in HELL are you talking about? And mind sharing with Quenaii too?* -I don't know if I should tell you, or Quenaii, but it's up to you to talk to her about me.-

She sighed, "You saw Azoth before, right?" She flicked her wrist as the silver dagger apepared in her hand. "He can talk... and apparently knows more about this situation than is willing to tell me." -For now.- "Whatever." She shook her head smiling wryly, "That was directed at him..."

Quenaii nodded a little then looking at the dagger "If this think can talk it must be important"

Ceranda nodded, "Talking weapons are one-of-a kind and pretty rare as it is. But I feel I have a lot to learn about Azoth still." -You'll learn in time...- This was echoed in Quenaii's mind as well this time. -I simply do not see any use in telling you all I know at once, you are not prepared.- Ceranda rolled her eyes.

And if she doesn't know whats going on isn't she even less prepared?" Quenaii asked.

Ceranda blinked, "You can hear him?" -I can talk to others, yes. And I will ensure she knows enough by the time she needs said information. Ginnung is of no interest to Penja or those she works for. I, however... am another matter. It is safe to assume she wanted you to find me, and prepared the means for you to get me.- Ceranda felt understanding come to her, "By poisoning me...but I thought she really wanted to kill me?" -She would not have told Quenaii anything about an antidote if she had wanted that.-

So she would have risked the petpet after all?" Quenaii muttered looking down and sighing.

-The chumablah? She could easily revive it if she needed it badly enough, or gotten another. You threatened her petpet?- There was mirth in Azoth's mind-speak.

I was running out of energy...and needed to get the antidote...or atleast information on how to get it..." Quenaii muttered a little achamed of what she had done.

-Ah yes, she had poisoned you too.. I don't think she counted on a second demon being there.- Azoth said. Ceranda chuckled, "Caltoran wouldn't have known to tell her that."

Quenaii nodded "Not many know about me being a demon, and thats the way I want it kept"

-As is to be expected of a Clan leader, who's clan isn't of demon-kind.- "I'm afraid I can't hide my blood half as easily, the wings and red eyes are kind of obvious." Ceranda said smiling wryly. -Your half-blood is easier to keep hidden, in your case. But unlike you thought, she does know.-

Quenaii looked at Ceranda "Um...mine isn't half blood" She muttered.

Ceranda nodded, "I know... I still wonder at how while sharing blood-traits, we look different." -There are many types of Demons, your father is of a different clan than those of Quenaii.-

Quenaii nodded "Ya, I'm not sure where my fathers clan would be...really the only trare I know to look for are two tails but then that still leaves a large area to look..." She sighed.

Ceranda nodded, "You seem to know a lot about demons, Azoth..." She said. A chuckle, -Yes I would... Seeing as where I come from...- "You're avoiding my point." -You are being circumspect.- "Ok fine! What are you really? Who made you why are you with me now?" -Ah, now that was a direct question, it's nice to hear direct questions for a change.- Ceranda grumbled, but said nothing.

-I am something of a counciler to the Demon Kings of the Shadow Realm.- Ceranda blinked, definetly not expecting that. -I was made ages ago, at the dawn of time almost, by the first of the rulers of Shadow Realm. And I'm here now as your counciler.-

Wait, but why with me?" Ceranda wasn't sure she liked where this conversation was headed. -It should be obvious, but I'll give you another hint. For approximately twenty years, the throne of the Shadows has been empty, throwing the Realm into chaos, as many fight for the position of ruler.-

What...does that meen...You are hear to teach Ceranda to be the new Ruler?" Quenaii asked.

Ceranda was thinking in anoher direction, but she didn't dare say it out loud. -You are basically correct.- Said Azoth. -Ceranda is the only heir to the throne that is left alive currently, and if I don't help her out she probably will be killed by Penja's contractors who could then take the throne by force. They would have by now, but thaven't been able to locate me, and without me they cannot be recognized as rulers.- Ceranda sat stunned. She had never put much thought or had any curiosity as to who had fathered her. "That's impossible!" She blurted.

Quenaii looked at Ceranda in shock not really expecting her idea to be right "W...wow!"

-I had already said you were unprepared to hear it all, but you and Quenaii insisted.- He seemed quite mirthful at having said it though, and Ceranda just shook her head. "I can't .... you've got to have the wrong person..."

Quenaii looked at Ceranda still amazed at what she had heared.

-You still carry the family heirloom, the one that was used to retrieve me. I suspect you did well in hiding it from view, or Penja could have stolen it.- Ceranda's hand went to her chest, "The amulet?"

Quenaii looked at Ceranda a little confused staying quiet.

-You didn't know, then. But you did know to hand it to Venoru when he entered Shadow Realm.- Ceranda nodded, as she unfastened the clasp, showing quenaii the blood-red gem, encrusted in a silver locket. "Yes, it does look similar to your own markings and style."

So...who is Penja working for then?" Quenaii asked.

-Ceranda's father's enemies, of course. THey've been plotting to tak over the throne for over a century. They killed her father, but couldn't find me, or the locket. After much investigation they finally found out he had a bastart child, and that he had given the locket to her.- Ceranda looked at the locket. "My mother told me to keep it clsoe and hidden, that it would protect me if I ever visited my father's home... I ididn't learn to create portals till years later though."

Quenaii nodded "Ok so atleast we know whats going on now" She said sighing a little.

Ceranda nodded, still stunned by what she had learned. "But... I ... I'm Deacon of the Azar clan here...." -Yes, well, I suppose it will help your training. But do understand that at some point you will have to restore order to your own kingdom.- She sighed, "I suppose..."

Quenaii smiled at Ceranda "When you have to go, we will be ok" She said trying to help.

Ceranda nodded slightly, although she wasn't sure she liked the idea of the responsability. "I think I understand somewhat what Venoru feels about the rpessures of being gatekeeper...." She said grimacing. -I suspect you will not have to live in Shadow Realm, you can come back to the forest.... Your father was pure blood and he too came to this world a lot...- "...and find pretty girls, eh?" Ceranda said groaning slightly, thinking of her mother.

Quenaii chuckled a little "Did you know both your parents or just one?" She asked Ceranda

Just one..." Ceranda grimaced slightly, "I never knew my father. Just my mother, for a brief period. But she died... killed by a mob of unhappy people." - She gave birth to what must have been a monster in the eyes of the rest. I'm surprised you actually remember her.- Ceranda nodded, "Yeah, I've got quite a lucid memory of my earliest childhood." -A trait many of the royal family had.- His voice was approving.

Quenaii nodded "I see..." She muttered.

Ceranda sighed slightly, "Well, this sure has been a lot of news in short time..." She commented, "And I still have to worry about Irzoile and Iunos too..."

Quenaii nodded "And we still have to get where we are going" She added.

Ceranda groaned, "Isn't life a nice walk in the park?" She commented dryly. -Life is the best way to learn, and conflicts help you learn quicker.-

Maybe..." Quenaii muttered.

Ceranda grinned slightly, "I suppose it does make life more interesting."

Sometimes" Quenaii said chuckling "Others it just makes a pain"