Title: Dark Times

Author: Ageless Light

Beta-ed by: Nobody right now! But I'd like one! Please PM me if you are interested.

Characters/Pairing: Zacarias De La Cruz and Ashelia Sole (OC), Amelyn Stormcloud and Dominic Dragonseeker, and Iris Airan and Lojos.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy

Summary: The mission to Romania was just the starting point. Now that they have found each other, their stories were just beginning.

Rating: T (Contains content suitable for teens and older)

Disclaimer: I do not own the Dark Series Universe or any of Christine Feehan's characters. I do own the OC's though. I went to babynames . com for my character names though. A nice reviewer PMed me and told me that the book the original concept of the Ways came from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series. I however, have altered their purpose, make-up, and description to fit my fic. They are very different since I haven't even read the story, but if you like epic fantasy books; I encourage you to check them out.

Status: Continuous (Incomplete)

Category: A collection of one-shots.

Spoilers: Up to and including Dark Slayer (The most recent novel in Feehan's Dark Series). This is the sequel to Dark Moments and I recommend that you read that first.

Created on: October 1, 2010

Word Count: 2,495 (Total-18,884)

"Talk" – regular talking

Talk- Inner thoughts

"Talk"- Speaking telepathically

Chapter 9

A Difference of Opinion

The sound wasn't unusual. It was a sound that almost every sentient being made. But not many ever witnessed a male Carpathian laugh before. Therefore Iris always took that deep, throaty laugh; she was privileged to hearing, and savored it. She forgot all about how he was in fact laughing at her expense and she joined him with a giggle of her own.

"I find that hard to believe." Lojos' voice was even and calm yet the mirth was evident in his facial expressions and his stance. Iris turned away with a forced rolling of her eyes to survey the ground they were standing on. The couple had been traveling to an outpost when the earth called to her. What had drawn their attention and eventually Lojos' was the tainted and wounded feeling the elements were projecting.

"Centuries, and I mean Centuries, even before my father's time. Our family surname was indeed Deathwind. Slowly times changed and our family altered our name. I remember going through some documents from the past and was intrigued that the branches of our family became named after the cardinal winds." She passed the information along while focusing on scene before her. Sky blue eyes traced every detail in front of her.

It was obvious a fight of some kind had taken place. The foliage was ruined and it looked like there was what was left of a fire pit upon a bank by the water's edge. There was blackness, a death of everything that had become tainted. Unfortunately, some of the evil seemed to have bled into the water as well.

Her bonds between earth and water were her strongest connection to the elements. Being as close as she was she could feel the discordant that was more than a song. It was a feeling. And it was something she could heal but it would take time.

"I really do not like vampires." She said off-handedly while raking her fingers through the earth. The hunter did not comment, though he didn't need to. She already knew how he felt about those monsters.

"We can come back or send another out. It will not be left unattended for long." He stated quietly while helping his blonde lifemate to her feet. A sigh pierced the air.

"I know I-" she started but he silenced her with a small kiss to her temple.

"Hush, hän ku kuulua sívamet. I know." There was much to do and it was already well into the night. Lojos was not as restricted in his movement during some of the earlier daylight hours, thanks to drinking his female's blood, but he still could not brave the sun to the extent Zacarias could. It hurt Iris to even think of leaving the scene and for the elements to keep on suffering.

The earth shuddered and the water quivered. Both of the elements reached out to Iris and it was then she felt a pulse of energy nearby.

"The fu-" The rest of startled cry was cut off as Lojos turned them to mist and streamed up into the trees.

It was obviously a vampire. Iris could tell the creature was powerful but it was still too far out of range for her to learn much more. As the creature neared they learned it was not a master but still one that was quite old. The spike of energy happened again and the couple knew the monster was not alone.

"That was an Elemental." Iris was furious, beyond furious. It was clear the Kylierion was not hunting the creature.

"They are heading this way." Lojos was calm and already going through dozens of plans and figuring out which one would be the best. Would they fight or try to leave undetected? It was Iris' next comment that decided which path they would take.

"Good. Let them come."

At first Lojos had been against his lifemate fighting. Just like most male Carpathians but soon changed his mind. While still a powerful hunter with centuries of experience he was renowned as a warrior; accomplishing feats that many expected of ancients like his older brother but not of someone his age. Fighting was all he and his brother's knew. It was also something that Iris also knew and it was something they could fully understand about each other. It was one of the reasons he figured why they were lifemates.

Since realizing this, the couple had spent time training to become a combat team. Just like Ashelia and Zacarias. They didn't intend for the squad to be separated but it helped to be prepared. With Iris' defensive abilities and his fighting skill they made a powerful pair. So when the vampire dropped down to inspect which of his kind had been destroyed they attacked.

The monster was clearly surprised and when it attempted to shift into particles to gain a better position, it became trapped in one of Iris' barrier nets. Energy sparked, much like electricity disrupting the molecules before it could move or change shape. Before it could recover Lojos had already punched its chest and withdrew its heart. The call of lightening though did not come from Lojos but the elemental that suddenly appeared.

Features that Iris saw almost every day stared back at her and if it had not been for Lojos she would have lunged at the traitorous blonde.

"Peace." The other female called while raising her hands in the universal sign of no trouble. She was weaponless but that did not mean she could not weave and call upon her elements.

"Peace? What would you know of peace, Larkspur." Iris practically spat the name out and the older Larkspur did even twitch.

"I just want to talk. I've been waiting for one of the Empire. If your disposition is anything to go on you must be an Airan." Lojos attempted to cover his lifemate from the other's blonds analyzing gaze but Iris pushed him off balance in order to stand by his side instead.

Their eyes clashed and it was clear the other elemental had no idea which Airan was standing across from her.

"What do you want Tianeka?"

"It is as I said. I just want to talk." The use of her name did not get a response either. Tianeka was acting in that recognizable apathetic manner.

"Let's hope because I would hate to take the news back to my best friend that I killed her once favorite cousin." That got a reaction and the elder blonde took an involuntary half step forward.

"Tia is here?" The question came out as whisper and it was clear that she hadn't wanted to ask because there was a longing that was noted by both parties.

"As if you didn't know?"

"She must be. You are a team after all. Even we have heard of 15's exploits. Many are proud of your squad's growth. That means that our princess is here as well." Sky blue eyes widened in horror as she realized her slip and without thinking she reached out to her elements. She must be destroyed at all costs. Before spikes could skewer her, Tianeka, sifted. Soon she was in the air as well being held in a mist form with Lojos.

Time passed and they waited each other out. There would be a surge of energy and then an attack as positions were given away. Then it was repeated and it was almost like a dance. Lojos was by her side the entire time and he kept her alive and focused.

Without any reason honey blonde hair was seen and a form coalesced by the bank, right were the remains of the two vampires were.

"I told you, I just want to talk. I am forbidden from causing you serious harm, but I will defend myself." With that she placed her hands upon the ground and began to remove the taint upon the land.

The couple debated and finally decided that gathering information was vital and they dropped down several yards away from her. Neither of them were fools and they drew upon their abilities waiting until they had to strike or defend themselves.

"Speak quickly traitor."

"Traitor? If anything I am the loyal one here." Pale blonde hair rose as energy crackled around the Airan. The gall of this bitch. Reaching upon their private link, Lojos calmed his female, for the moment.

"Why are you here?" He asked evenly, while holding onto Iris. It could have been out protectiveness or to keep her restrained.

"Iit is part of our mission."

"Our? And what mission?"

"I can't tell you the specifics. In fact if my direct superiors' knew…" She trailed off.

"Then what can you tell us?" Lojos interjected before Iris could speak.

"That we may have a different view, but we are on the same side. We fight for the Empire as well. My love for her has never died." A hysterical laugh bubbled up and Iris had to lean against her hunter for stability.

"I am serious. We must save the Empire. " What kind of propaganda shit has she been brainwashed with? Iris wondered.

"Let her speak her piece." The unmated lifemates exchanged looks before turning their undivided attention to the elemental in front of them.

"Our faction is not one filled with traitors. In fact we rebelled because we love the Empire. It is past time for the Empire to give up its role as "the police" for the supernatural world. Many have grown tired of destroying families and turning children into weapons. Why is it fair that we sacrifice so much while the other races sit deep within their territories, safe, not caring about the world while we bleed for them? Times have changed and we must as well." If Iris was not so shocked at what was revealed she would have noticed the emotion that was in evident in the older female's tone. It took a moment to process it all but Iris did respond.

"You have allied yourself with vampires? How is that loyal?" It was a valid question though it was more of an accusation. Elementals hated the vampires. They caused so much destruction. Even their mere presence caused disharmony to all around. Vampires and elementals were enemies, it was in their blood. An alliance with them was to dishonor their heritage and their connection to the elements.

"They are a means to an end." Iris was done playing games after that cryptic response and using all of her training infiltrated the other's mind. Tianeka may have been older, more experienced, but she lacked the mental capability to withstand such an onslaught from an Airan. Grabbing her head in her hands the woman crumbled. Iris pushed on, uncaring of the damage she could cause. With skill she searched the woman's mind trying to find answers.

"We do not have to be on opposite sides. Everything is for the Empire. Leave the jaguars to their fate." Tianeka stumbled over the words but the couple soon understood her words and their meaning of do not interfere, Iris was so busy trying to get the information she needed she was unable to stop the other female from sifting and leaving the clearing.

There was no reason to go after her because Iris could not be rejected from Tianeka's mind. Soon more than a mile was between them and Iris withdrew stunned at what she learned. Those that had started The Great Split had never been so friendly. There had rarely been contact between the Empire and the traitors. So why now? It was simple. Tianeka was right. Her side was tired of the Empire being the police and decided to take a more aggressive role in changing their status. Just because their rebellion failed did not mean they gave up their cause. The jaguar race had always taken up a lot of time and resources.

Ashelia's mother intended to wipe the race of the map and possibly others in the wish to force the Empire to refocus its ideas, and culture. There were images, memories of Tianeka meeting with Iris' surrogate mother. And from her memories it was clear that those causing The Great Split, truly believed they were protecting the Empire. Saving her future. The alliance with the vampires was just temporary and they had every intention of destroying the creatures as well.

Tianeka was asked by their Empress to discover the whereabouts of her daughter and her status. It appeared almost as if she cared about her daughter's wellbeing. Having no leads she continued on with her assignment in South America always keeping an eye and an ear out. She caused the death of the vampire hoping to catch a passing Kylierion and discover a new lead. Apparently those assigned to the Green Mist were not as unknown as they hoped. The other faction had been suspecting an increase of their presence for some time.

Though she tried to hide it, Tianeka, revealed that there was a base for their faction somewhere on this continent. They had been there since the original rebellion began years ago. It had been the ideal location, since the Empire hardly had any presence there until a few months ago. And it was the perfect place to watch over the vampires they were manipulating.

The Empire was recognized as being the most powerful race in terms of military strength and the traitors wanted the world to be reminded of it. Using his abilities, Lojos returned them to their true form and they started towards the original destination.

"I always knew that Ashe's mom had some radical ideas, but now some of it makes sense. She made changes that made it look like she wanted to de-militarize us, but she intended for the Empire to focus on itself. And not on wasting resources and man-power policing the rest of the world. I mean wiping out other races is not the way to do it, but she-" Iris stumbled for a bit until she could get the right word out. "cares, even loves her country and her people."

"The goal is a desirable one. Even logical, but her methods are questionable." Lojos stated as he rifled through what Iris learned. Iris leaned into his chest and inhaled his scent needing to be comforted.

Immediately his arms went around her. Early on, Lojos learned about the constant contact that Iris and by extension her people seemed to need. It was why he turned them back to their physical forms moments earlier. Iris drew much from his physical presence and calming touches.

"We have to tell, like, everyone." It was her last statement before they fell into a comfortable silence as they mulled over all they learned and the new questions it raised. In a blur of motion he picked up his lifemate in his arms and began a fast pace towards the outpost.

This concludes this latest chapter. I apologize for the late update. I shall not offer any excuses. But please leave a review/comment of your thoughts and if anyone is still reading my fic.

~Ageless Light

***Terms/Definitions***

Carpathian:

hän ku kuulua sívamet - keeper of my heart