Disclaimer: I do not own anyone from Narnia, but I do own this fanfic.

Ok, first of all, I just want to say that in no way am I bitter about my first negative review. I understand...it must happen a lot to all you guys as well when people get bored and think it's cool to insult other people's hard work. But, on the contrary, I would like to apologize to this person. They didn't really like all the cursing that my story had, and said that I'm trying to sound cool. Well, I apologize if you do not like the language. However, as you can see, there is only cursing in the first 2 or 3 chapters due to way I am trying to portray the characters of Ryan and Ben, as well as Jade's attitude when she is with them and when she is at home. As you can see, (and as I'm trying to show throughout the story) she becomes much happier and better spirited when she goes to Narnia. Sorry if I offended you with the language. And it might be a good idea to check the rating of the story before you read. It's not rated M just to scare people away, you know.

But, I would also like to take this time to thank everyone who is keeping up with my story. I've worked hard on the plot to make the store flow and all, I've written other books before (not published, just for fun!) and have taken writing classes, so I'm trying to put all those skills to use and make an interesting story. Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it.

And I guess since I'm already writing, I'll do the next chapter too! So hopefully you all stayed up late tonight!

On with the story…

PLEASE REVIEW!

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Chapter 11: That's What I'm Here For

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Your POV

You and Caspian had been walking through the woods for hours it seemed like. Since then, you hadn't found a single Narnian. You were quite annoyed with Caspian, you believed that you should have stayed where you were and waited for the Kings and Queens of Old to come. It was just plain stupid and careless to walk through unknown territory aimlessly.

It was really hot outside, and even though the action may have been a bit rash, you ripped off the bottom half of your long skirt so that it was now a short skirt that showed off your skinny legs. What did it matter…it was already ripped. Also, instead of carrying your armor jacket, you stung it over your shoulder; letting the sun's rays hit your exposed shoulders. You sighed in contentment as a cool breeze passed by, making you shiver from all the sweat that dripped down your body. Your long hair, which was now up in a high ponytail, swayed with the wind as it passed by.

"So, Jade," Caspian said a bit displeased. You two hadn't talked ever since you left. "What do you plan on doing if the enemy attacks?" he asked, his eyes scanning your exposed body. You straightened your skirt a bit and blushed when you noticed his gaze was lingering on your legs.

"I wouldn't have had to worry about that if we stayed where we were." You bit back, reluctantly putting your protective jacket back on. You instantly wished you didn't as your body temperature seemed to go up twenty degrees. You pouted, blowing your hovering bangs away from your sweaty forehead.

Looking out the corner of your eye, you spotted Caspian still staring at you. You turned to meet his gaze. "Happy?" you asked as you shrugged your shoulders referring to your now clad body. Caspian tore his gaze from your legs, coughing a 'yes' as his eyes decided to stare at the forest instead.

You smiled, inspecting him a bit further.

"Aren't you hot?" you asked, inwardly regretting your choice of words. You hoped Caspian wouldn't say something sarcastic back.

"Not in the least. I've been training for years…you get used to it." He replied. "Besides, your safety comes first."

Regretting your bitter attitude, you wanted to say something as equally heartfelt back to Caspian for his kind words. However, as you were about to speak, a rustle behind you drew you away from your thoughts. Caspian chuckled.

"We can hear you." He said out loud.

Just then, Trufflehunter and Nikabrik came out of their hiding spots behind two trees. Their heads were bent down in defeat from having their hiding spots being found out. You had a feeling that they were following you.

"I still think we should wait for the Kings and Queens of Old." Trufflehunter said. Caspian took your hand and started to walk away again. However, this time you pulled back.

"I think we should too, Caspian. Let's face it, we have no idea where we are going." You said.

Caspian looked a bit abashed that you wouldn't agree with him.

"Listen, Jade. I wouldn't be doing anything if I thought it would put us in danger." He said. "You don't understand, we are in serious danger. You underestimate my father's kingdom. It is more powerful than you think. We need to start building an army of our own now!"

Even though you still weren't completely convinced, you couldn't help but give in to his touch at the mention of his father. You stopped trying to pry away from his grasp and allowed him to continue to pull you along with him.

"Fine. Go on then. I'd like to see you two try to explain yourselves to the others. Especially the Minotaurs…they are very easily angered and I doubt you they would side with you." Nikabrik said as he and Trufflehunter followed you and Caspian.

"Minotaurs? They still exist?" Caspian asked.

"Yeah. Not to mention big!" Nikabrik said.

"Huge!" Trufflehunter said as they walked in front of you and Caspian.

"Well…what about Centuars? Do they still exist too?" Caspian asked as you two followed them.

"Of course." Said Trufflehunter.

"Well what about them?" Caspian asked. You thought he looked cute, asking so many questions like a little school boy with his face scrunched up in curiosity.

"Well, the centaurs will probably take your side but…there's not telling what the others will do." Trufflehunter said. Then Caspian stopped in his tracks.

"What about Aslan?" he asked. Nikabrik and Trufflehunter stopped.

"How do you know so much about us?" Nikabrik asked.

"Just stories." Caspian said. You then thought about the story that the Professor told you two. Alsan was the immortal ruler of Narnia who was granted his title by the founder of Narnia due to his wisdom. You wondered if you would ever meet him.

"Stories?" Tufflehunter asked bemused. "Your fathers told you stories of Narnia?"

"Not exactly." Caspian said, his tone becoming a bit more distant. "My Professor told us stories. Look…these are not questions you should be asking." Caspian said as he started to walk away again. He did not even bother to grab your hand this time as he continued to walk away.

"Oh, dear…was it something I said?" Trufflehunter asked, turning to you.

You watched as Caspian walked away, feeling his pain. You knew how much it must have hurt Caspian to lose his father, seeing as the same thing happened to you. You sighed and turned back to Trufflehunter.

"No, he's just…umm…it's just best not mention his father. Because, well…you see…" Trufflehunter put his hand up in understanding. He didn't need you to continue.

You were about to follow Caspian when Trufflehunter began tugging on your leg. You looked down at him and saw that his neck was outstretched and he looked very alert.

"What is it?" you asked. Caspian turned to you with concern when you said this.

"I smell human." Trufflehunter said.

"Them?" Nikabrik asked pointing toward you and Caspian. Trufflehunter shook his head.

"No. Them." He said pointing ahead all of you. Following his outstretched hand, you saw a bunch of Telmarine soldiers coming toward you. They formed a line, blocking the trail ahead of you. You started to panic when you saw that they were all armed with crossbows, pointed straight at you and Caspian.

"There they are!" you heard one of the soldiers say. Caspian, who was still a good distance ahead you, turned around and yelled at you.

"Run!"

And that's when the madness began. You started to run as fast as you could with Caspian behind you and Trufflehunter and Nikabrik beside you.

This oddly reminded you of that day when you were running away from Ryan and Ben. That was the day you came here…

Focusing back to the present, you ducked your head just in time, nearly missing an overhanging tree branch. Arrows were flying by every which way, barely missing you almost every time. You didn't think you had ever been more scared in your life. It was like a chase to the death, and all you could do was look ahead while you prayed that Caspian and your newly found friends were still close behind you.

Suddenly you heard a cry behind you. You turned around to see that Trufflehunter had been hit it the side with an arrow. Caspian had been right behind you, while Trufflehunter and Nikabrik had fallen a bit behind; mostly due to their short legs, you presumed. You were about to go help him when Caspian stopped you.

"No! You keep running, Jade. Get out of here! I'll go." And with that said, Caspian ran towards the wounded Trufflehunter. You waited for Nikabrik to catch up to you before running away again. You didn't want anyone to get left behind. However, you noted that Nikabrik would not run away with you. He watched the exchange between Caspian and Trufflehunter, hoping that his friend would return back safe.

You spotted a large tree ahead and darted behind it so you would be able to see if Caspian was going to be alright while staying safely protected at the same time.

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Caspian swiftly darted over to Trufflehunter's side, kneeling down beside him while evading all the oncoming arrows.

"Here, take it. It's more important than I am." Trufflehunter said handing Caspian Queen Susan's horn. Caspian took it and tied it to his belt. He looked up to see that the soldiers were getting closer, and began to panic due to the fact that he was only armed with a sword. He would not be able to fight the soldiers with their long range weapons.

But suddenly, much to everyone's surprise, the Telmarine soldiers seemed to be getting killed off by an unseen enemy. But even though it was unseen, you could detect a ripple in the tall grass that showed the direction of its next attack. One by one the soldiers would drop. Caspian looked back at you with a confused look. You shrugged your shoulder, looking as confused as he was.

Taking advantage of the mysterious sniper, Caspian swung Trufflehunter over his shoulder and began running back to you and Nikabrik.

"Take him." Caspian said handing the badger to Nikabrik. Then Caspian turned around to see that there was only one soldier left. He unsheathed his sword and began to advance on the lone soldier.

But the soldier wasn't paying attention to Caspian approaching at all. Throwing away his crossbow, the last standing soldier drew his sword and began chopping the grass around him. He carelessly swung his sword violently, and Caspian kept a same distance. He was trying to kill the mysterious creature that had killed the other soldiers, but was working to no avail. And with the blink of an eye, he soon met the fate of his fellow soldier, falling to a heap into the tall grass.

You let out a breath of relief, but then noticed that the mysterious killer was now making its way to Caspian.

Caspian got into his fighting stance and prepared for the ripple that was about to attack him, but the look on his face proved that he was not in the least prepared. How could he kill and enemy that he could not see?

"Caspian! Look out!" You screamed as something jumped up and knocked Caspian on his back. You began running towards him at full. You didn't care if you didn't have any weapons, you would do anything possible to protect him.

However, when the thing that had been the cause of all the commotion came into your range of view, you stopped dead in your tracks. To your surprise, it was a mouse with a sword.

"Ok…wow…"

You wanted to laugh. Caspian got knocked down by…a mouse. You would never let him live this down. As for the mouse…he looked so…

"Cute!! Aw…look at his little sword and the little feather behind his ear! How precious!" you thought. (As you can tell, Reepicheep is my absolute FAVORITE character! Well…next to Caspian that is :)

It took all of your self-control to not run over to the little critter and squeeze the life out of him. He was, after all, the cause of all the soldier's deaths. And from the looks of it, he seemed to consider Caspian an enemy as well.

"Choose your last words carefully, Telmarine." The mouse said pointing his tiny, yet, lethal, sword at Caspian. Caspian was out of breath and could only look at the mouse with shock.

"You are a mouse." He bluntly stated. The mouse sighed in frustration.

"I was hoping for something more…original." He said disappointedly as he slumped his shoulders. "Well, pick up your sword." The mouse said as he straightened up and continued to point the sword at Caspian.

Caspian looked at his sword, then to you, and then back to the mouse.

"No thank you." Caspian said, abiding by the mouse's warning and choosing his words wisely.

"Come now, I won't fight an unarmed man." The mouse said nonchalantly as he continued to brandish his sword.

"Which is why I might live longer if I choose not to cross blades with you, noble mouse." Caspian stated a bit amusedly.

Again, you resisted the urge to laugh and to use the mouse as your new stuffed animal.

"I said I wouldn't fight you. I didn't say I would let you live." The mouse said, raising his voice and pointed the sword closer at Caspian.

"That's enough, Reepicheep." Trufflehunter gasped out. His voice was weak, and his breathing irregular due to the arrow that was still pierced in his side.

You ran over to his side and took him out of Nikabrik's arms, letting him lay down in your lap. You began to pet him and scratch behind his ears, trying to ease the pain. It was all that you could do to repay him for saving your life from before.

"Trufflehunter! You better have a good excuse for this untimely interruption." The mouse named Reepicheep said, eyeing you.

You couldn't help but inwardly squeal at his totally cute name.

"He doesn't, kill him." Nikabrik said. You gave him a dirty look and shoved him away, causing him to fall over on his back. You really didn't like him.

"He's the one that blew the horn." Trufflehunter was able to gasp out.

Reepicheep looked speechless. "What…" he whispered in a barely audible voice. He instantly jumped off of Caspian's form as you all heard the approaching sound of hoofs.

"Oh no…more Telmarine soldiers…" you thought worriedly. You turned around, only to be greeted with an even more frightening sight.

"Well, then let him come forward and show it to us." A centaur said emerging from the trees with a few other centaurs behind him. He was huge, with dark skin and long braided hair. His eyes, however, were breathtaking.

Caspian was at your side in an instant, ready to protect you from the centaurs that were heavily armed with large swords. He stood in front of you, handing you his sword behind his back. He then reached toward his waist, pulling the horn that was tied to his belt.

He outstretched his arm so that the horn was in plain view for all the centaurs to see. They looked amazed.

"So…it is true…" Glenstorm said quietly. An awkward silence followed

"So…what brings you to these parts, Glenstorm?" Nikabrik asked. (In case you don't know, Glenstorm is the head Centaur.)

"We are headed to The Clearing." He said in a proud voice. "All the Narnians are gathering there. We were told many years ago that it was there that we all would gather if the horn was to ever be blown. And now that is has, we must go and be reunited with our fellow bretherin." He said, his gaze lingering on you as he spoke. You did not like the way he was looking at you, it was if he could see something that no one else, not even yourself, could.

"Very well, then." Caspian said as he stepped forward to Glenstorm. "Please…take us to this clearing. I am, very well, the one who blew the horn, and have something I need to tell your fellow Narnias."

Glenstorm nodded to Caspian, looking at him with neither hatred nor pleasure. He looked indifferent. And without saying a word, he continued walking into the direction of the clearing with you, Caspian, Trufflehunter, and Nikabrik in tow.

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You and Caspian followed the centaurs deeper into the forest. It was nightfall by the time you got to a clearing where the Narnians had gathered. You and Caspian stood at the center of the clearing and looked up at the many lights and creature that littered the space around you both. You felt very small and insignificant compared to the crowd, and Caspian took your hand as he noticed your nervousness.

Soon enough, the Narnians, became outraged as they saw you and Caspian, especially Caspian since he was the one holding the horn. Caspian instantly pulled you behind him so that he could protect you incase anything went wrong. You placed your hands on his back lovingly, giving him the courage he needed.

You both stood in silence until the cries of outrage died down and became more audible.

"The only thing this horn proves is that the Telmarines have stolen yet another thing from us!" Nikabrik yelled into the crowd.

You let out a low growl that only Caspian could here.

"I knew that little twit would turn against us!" you thought viciously, with a killing intent focused on a particular little dwarf.

"We haven't stolen anything." Caspian helplessly yelled back at Nikabrik. It didn't seem like anyone was on your side, and things weren't looking good for you and Caspian. How could you possibly persuade the crowd… you had no idea what the Narnians had been through.

"Haven't stolen anything?" one of the Narnians asked sarcatically.

"Shall we list the things the Telmarines have stolen from us?" another said.

"Our homes." A woman's voice cried.

"Our freedom." Another voice said said.

"Our lives." Another Narnian shouted out.

"You would hold me accountable for the crimes of my people?" Caspian asked reaching behind his back and taking your hand. With one hand still on his back, you leaned you body up against his a bit to reassure him that everything would be alright. Or at least…you hoped.

"Accountable and punishable!" Nikabrik yelled back.

"Now, now, Nikabrik." Trufflehunter said, coming to your aid. You felt a bit relieved. "Some of you may have forgotten, but we badgers remember well that Narnia was never right unless ruled by a son of Adam and daughter of Eve. And let us not forget, Nikabrik, that it was your people who sided with the White Witch in the War many years ago." This caused more outrage from the crowd.

"Narnia was under better control with the White Witch than it could ever be with…their lot!" he said in a bitter voice. However, now the crowd seemed to be turning against him.

"So, are you suggesting that we go against Aslan now?" a voice asked aloud.

"No!" said Nikabrik, helplessly trying to keep the raging crowd on his side. However, he was slowly losing the battle against Trufflehunter. "They are Telmarines! Why would we want them as our King and Queen?" Nikabrik cried out.

"Because we can help you!" Caspian said and the crowed began to grow quiet. Before he spoke again, Caspian looked back at you. Your eyes locked for a moment. You smiled at him for his bravery and gave his hand a squeeze. He then turned back to the now silent crowd, whose attention he now had.

"Listen…beyond these woods I am a Prince! And I can bring peace between us." He said. "The Telmarine throne is rightfully mine! If you help me get back it back, I will give you back your land…I promise!"

"Really? Do you really think so? Do you really think there could be peace between us?" a jittery squirrel asked.

You resisted the urge to snort at the second cutest thing in the forest.

"ADD much?" you thought.

Caspian seemed to be amused as well, but he hid it very professionally.

"Two days ago, I did not believe in dwarfs…or centaurs. And my friend, Jade…Jade did not even know this world existed. And yet…here you are now …all standing before us. It is strength and numbers that we Telmarines could never have imagined. Together…" he said holding up his hand which held the horn, "we can take back what is ours!"

There was an approving murmur circulating throughout the crowd.

"It is true." A deep voice said. Soon you saw that Glenstorm walking towards you two, his eyes giving you that uneasy feeling like they had earlier.

"I watch the skies…for it is mine to watch, as well as it is yours to remember, Trufflehunter. The God of War and the Goddess of Peace, their planets are aligned. Such an occurrence has revealed that a time for peace is approaching." He walked back to his place in the clearing. "And here…a son of Adam and a daughter of Eve have come to offer us back our freedom. If you will lead us…my sons and I offer you our swords." Glenstorm said, lifting up his sword. Soon all the Centaurs and Narnians lifted their swords and weapons, signaling that they were on your side.

"We will need to gather weapons and find shelter." Caspian said to the Centaur. "And we will need to find more soldiers as well. Every little bit counts."

"Very well, then." said Glenstorm. "Let us make our way to Aslan's How. As far as shelter goes, we will be safe there.

With those final words, the creatures of the forest began to file out, following Glenstorm as he led the way to Aslan's How.

While everyone was scurrying after Glenstorm, Caspian turned to you, a relieved smile on his face. You smiled back, placing your hands on his chest.

"Your hearts racing." You laughed, causing Caspian to smile and laugh with you.

"That was awful…" he said as he wrapped his arms around your waist and leaned his forehead against yours. You could feel your body temperature rising. "I don't think I could have done that if you weren't there with me." He said. You smiled once more.

"That's what I'm here for." You whispered.

Caspian stared into you eyes lovingly, and you returned the intensity. Getting chased by Telmarines and being threatened by Narnians was worth it, you thought, as long as you could stare into Caspian's eyes at the end of the day.

"And I'll always be here…I promise." You said.

You only noticed now how close Caspian's face was to yours.

"As will I…" he said.

You could feel his hot breath on your lips, and a tingling sensation ran through your body, giving you goose-bumps. Caspian bent his head down to yours, his eyes now right in front of you…your lips only mere inches apart. He gently grasped the back of your neck with one hand, while the other remained wrapped around your waist.

You didn't not protest…not in the least bit.

Closing your eyes, you anxiously waited for him to begin what you had always wanted him to start.

However…

"Now, now dears! Don't fall behind!" Trufflehunter's voice rang out through the clearing, causing you and Caspian to break apart. You both looked at him as if you had just been caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar. Trufflehunter was smirking and had a knowing gleam in his eyes, and he turned back around, motioning for you to follow him.

You and Caspian locked eyes once more, causing you both to immediately advert your gaze away from each other in embarrassment.

After a few awkward seconds ticked by, you both began to silently follow Trufflehunter and the others…Caspian's hand automatically finding yours somewhere along the way.

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Somewhere On the Other Side of the Forest…

"Oh no… You've got to be kidding me…You're it?"

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Alright! That's my longest chapter yet! Again, thanks to all you who have been following my story, and sorry to those of you who don't appreciate the language in the earlier chapters.

Next chapter will probably be out Wednesday. And it's the Chapter where you finally meet the Pensieves! Also…if you already didn't guess, I'm leaving the SusanXCaspian romance out (seeing as it wasn't supposed to happen and wasn't even in the books!!)

PLEASE REVIEW

And for those who review after just about every chapter… you're awesome! I love you!